Bacterial community in saline farmland soil on the Tibetan plateau: responding to salinization while resisting extreme environments

Abstract Background Salinization damages the health of soil systems and reduces crop yields. Responses microbial communities to salinized soils their functional maintenance under high salt stress are valuable scientific problems. Meanwhile, community in plateau environment is less understood. Here, we applied metagenomics technology reveal structure function microorganisms Tibetan Plateau. Results The diversity composition saline have changed significantly. abundances chemoautotrophic acidophilic bacteria comprising Rhodanobacter , Acidobacterium Candidatus Nitrosotalea, Koribacter were significantly higher soil. potential degradation organic carbon soil, as well production NO N 2 O via denitrification, sulfate by sulfur oxidation than non-saline Both types rich genes encoding resistance environmental stresses (i.e., cold, ultraviolet light, hypoxia Plateau). based on absorption K + main mechanism, with cross-protection proteins buffer molecules auxiliary mechanisms our study area. Network analysis showed that group had significant positive correlations electrical conductivity total sulfur, negative carbon, pH, available nitrogen. moisture, likely affect bacterial nitrogen, cycles. Conclusions These results indicate specific Plateau salinization jointly shape community, respond complex harsh living conditions. In addition, feedback probably exacerbates greenhouse gas emissions accelerates reduction pH. This will provide insights into responses ecological risks special environment.