Impact of protozoa on rhizosphere microbial community, nutrient release and rice (Oryza sativa L.) growth

Plant root-associated microorganisms play an important role in shaping plant growth, nutrition, and overall health. This study explores how the biodiversity within the soil environment, predominantly composed of bacteria and fungi, influences both the environment's functioning and its impact on plants vitality. In our investigation involving rice, we observed the effects of distinct soil bacterial and protozoal communities on the plants. While we did not observe statistically significant differences in plant biomass and height among various soil microbiome compositions, we did uncover substantial impacts on N uptake. Furthermore, we predict variations in the composition of microbial communities between the initial and final stages of microbial richness. This dynamic evolution underscores the intricate interplay between soil nutrients, microorganisms, and plant systems. Our research underscores the importance of comprehending the different relationships between soil nutrients, microorganisms, and plants. Additionally, it highlight the need to consider soil nutrient levels as a factor that can either increase or decrease the microbiome's influence on plant growth. Our conclusion is that protists are a vital element within the rhizosphere microbiome and their interactions significantly enhance our capacity to predict and control microbiome biodiversity and function, ultimately benefiting plant growth and health.