Soil eDNA Metabarcoding Data from Restored Drylands in Laikipia, Kenya (16S and rbCL)

This dataset contains environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding results from a completed study assessing biodiversity at six restoration sites in Lower Naibunga Community Conservancy, Laikipia County, Kenya. The research used 16S rDNA (prokaryotes) and rbCL (plants) markers to analyze species composition across water bund restoration areas in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). Key Details: Study Sites: Data covers six locations: Lorubai (Site 1) Burtany (Site 2) Nkirashi (Site 3) Losopukia (Site 4) Munushoi (Site 5) Loika (Site 6) Findings: Abundant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) that enhance soil fertility Drought-resistant plant species important for rangeland recovery Evidence of both beneficial native species and potential invasive species Applications: Monitoring restoration efforts under Kenya's Forest and Landscape Restoration Plan (FOLAREP) Supporting the Bonn Challenge goals for ecosystem recovery Developing eDNA-based tools for dryland conservation Technical Information: Method: Soil eDNA metabarcoding Markers: 16S rDNA (bacteria/archaea) and rbCL (plants) Location: Laikipia County, Kenya (arid/semi-arid ecosystem) Keywords: eDNA, metabarcoding, dryland restoration, soil biodiversity, 16S rDNA, rbCL, Kenya, Laikipia, arid lands, water bunds, microbial ecology, drought resistant plants, conservation monitoring