Spatial and phyloecological analyses of nosZ genes underscore niche differentiation amongst terrestrial N2O reducing communities

The only known biological sink for the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O) is its reduction to nitrogen gas (N-2) by bacteria and archaea that possess the nosZ gene conferring this trait. Phylogenetic and genomic evidence indicates that N2O reducing communities can be divided into two genetically distinct groups, termed Glade I and II. Differing abundance or diversity of each Glade may have significant consequences for N2O emissions from soil. However, whether the two groups respond similarly to gradients of environmental or biotic factors in soils remains unclear. Here, we explore spatial patterns of nosZ Glade I and II abundance, phylogenetic diversity and community structure across a 44-ha farm, and compare with edaphic factors and abundances of ammonia oxidizing and denitrifying communities, which are the main N2O producers in soil. Contrasting spatial distributions of the total abundance and phylogenetic diversity of each Glade, as well as disparate associations with various edaphic and biotic factors indicated potential niche differentiation between the two clades. This is supported by the greater occurrence of significant phylogenetic clustering or overdispersion in Glade I communities compared to Glade II, indicating differences in the underlying mechanisms of community assembly for each group. Variance partitioning of phylogenetic community structure further showed that biotic factors, particularly the abundance of denitrifiers, played a more substantial role in explaining Glade II community structure compared to that of Glade I. Finally, identification of nosZ lineages driving differences in community structure and spatial distribution patterns of gene abundances suggests a shift in the genetic potential for N2O production and consumption dynamics across the farm. () 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.