Metallic micronutrients are associated with the structure and function of the soil microbiome

The relationship between metallic micronutrients and soil microorganisms, and thereby soil functioning, has been little explored. Here, we investigate the relationship between metallic micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Mo and Ni) and the abundance, diversity and function of soil microbiomes. In a survey across 180 sites in China, covering a wide range of soil conditions the structure and function of the soil microbiome are highly correlated with metallic micronutrients, especially Fe, followed by Mn, Cu and Zn. These results are robust to controlling for soil pH, which is often reported as the most important predictor of the soil microbiome. An incubation experiment with Fe and Zn additions for five different soil types also shows that increased micronutrient concentration affects microbial community composition and functional genes. In addition, structural equation models indicate that micronutrients positively contribute to the ecosystem productivity, both directly (micronutrient availability to plants) and, to a lesser extent, indirectly (via affecting the microbiome). Our findings highlight the importance of micronutrients in explaining soil microbiome structure and ecosystem functioning.