Oligotrophic bacteria and pathotrophic fungi moderate multitrophic interactions in semi-arid and arid environments

Future climate projections suggest shifts in intra-annual precipitation patterns, characterized by intensified rainfall events and prolonged dry periods. These changes are expected to reshape soil biotic communities and their interactions within food webs, particularly in semi-arid and arid ecosystems. However, the extent to which varying rainfall regimes and aridity influence multitrophic associations remains poorly understood. This study examines how rainfall variability and aridity shape soil multitrophic interactions among bacteria, fungi, protists, and nematodes in these ecosystems. Given that key trophic groups and keystone taxa play a crucial role in structuring soil food webs, we aim to identify the groups central to maintaining food web stability under fluctuating climatic conditions. The dataset includes environmental variables, soil properties, and plant data used in this research.