Diversity of Soil Humus-Reducing Bacteria in tropical reef islands

Humic-reducing bacteria (HRB) play crucial roles in various biogeochemical cycles, including carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and sulfur (S) cycles. Tropical reef islands, constituting unique ecosystems, possess distinct soil properties. This study represents the first comprehensive exploration of HRB communities in soil profiles on the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea. Our research aimed to understand their vertical distribution, diversity, and ecological functions.