Biogeographical patterns in seagrass sedimentary and rhizosphere microbiomes

Seagrasses are important nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation due to their significant carbon stocks, prolific carbon (C) sequestration, and ecosystem service co-benefits. With the largest proportion of blue carbon ecosystem (BCE) carbon stocks residing in the sediment, characterizing seagrass sediment and rhizosphere microbial communities is crucial for understanding their roles in nutrient cycling, including C release and stabilization, and in enhancing host survival and performance. Using 16S rRNA metabarcoding, we explored inter- and intra-estuarine variability of the core microbiomes in the sediment and rhizosphere of the endangered Zostera capensis by sampling three estuaries in South Africa. We compared the core microbial communities of the sediment and rhizosphere across different spatial scales, providing insights into their structure, variability, and putative functions.