16S rRNA V4 metabarcoding for bulk soil, distal rhizosphere, proximal rhizosphere, and roots of European  Zea mays L. landraces
The prokaryotic microbiome in samples representing a distance gradient along the radial root axis of Zea mays L. was assessed by 16S rRNA metabarcoding of the V4 region. Samples originated from two field sites in Bavaria, Germany, which differed in edaphic and climatic conditions. Samples from two European landraces were analyzed. Additionally, the experimental design included control (receiving natural precipitation) and precipitation reduced (natural precipitation reduced by 60%) treatments. Samples were taken at two times representing the flowering and grain filling plant developmental stages.