Different Cerrado Ecotypes Show Contrasting Soil Microbial Properties, Functioning Rates, and Sensitivity to Changing Water Regimes

Abstract Soil moisture is among the most important factors regulating soil biodiversity and functioning. Models forecast changes in precipitation regime many areas of planet, but how these will influence functioning, biotic drivers modulate such effects, far from being understood. We evaluated responses C N fluxes, microbial properties to different water regimes soils main three ecotypes world's largest diverse tropical savanna. Further, we explored direct indirect effects ecotype on key processes. Soils woodland savanna showed a better nutritional status than other ecotypes, as well higher potential cycling rates, 2 O emissions, bacterial abundance lower richness, whereas CO emissions CH 4 uptake peaked intermediate The also modulated nutrient cycling, greenhouse gas properties, with more intense highlight existence multiple contrasting (via microbes abiotic properties) an intensification C- N-related Our results confirm that fundamental driver functioning Cerrado it can determine processes regime.