Dry red soil comammox
In dry red soils, the presence and activity of complete ammonia oxidizers (comammox) represent an intriguing and important aspect of microbial nitrogen cycling, especially under arid conditions. Red soils, characterized by their high iron content and often acidic to neutral pH, are prevalent in many regions and are frequently subject to drought. Comammox, particularly those belonging to the genus Nitrospira, are unique microorganisms that can oxidize ammonia all the way to nitrate in a single step, making them highly efficient in nitrogen cycling.