Microbiome of soil samples from Ecuador
This study aims to evaluate the diversity, structure, and degree of coupling between plant and soil microbial communities across different subtypes of tropical dry forest along a latitudinal gradient on the Ecuadorian coast, considering both the rainy and dry seasons. Using floristic inventories and microbial 16S rRNA gene from soil communities, we analyzed the differential responses of both components to climatic and edaphic gradients. The results reveal contrasting assembly rules between plants and microorganisms, as well as a progressive structural decoupling under conditions of increased water stress. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the functioning and resilience of tropical dry forests in the face of climate variability.