Depth-resolved patterns of bacteria utilising plant-derived carbon in the rhizosphere of Triticum aestivum in an arable soil

Here we compare the bacterial community feeding on plant-derived carbon in the rhizosphere of wheat in different soil depths (0-20 cm, 20-50 cm, 50-80 cm). Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing in combination with 13C-based stable isotope probing, we characterized the bacterial community and identified bacteria utilizing plant-derived carbon. Our results indicate that soil depth strongly affects microbial key players and interaction mechanisms between plants and bacteria utilizing plant-derived carbon in the rhizosphere.