The effect of crop rotation between wetland rice and upland maize on the microbial communities associated with roots

Background and aims Microorganisms colonize plant roots for mutual benefits. Colonization is initiated by the soil microbial community but is also affected by soil conditions and plant type. Rice typically grows under wetland conditions that are anoxic, thus being supportive for an anaerobic methanogenic microbial community. Maize, however, grows under upland conditions that are oxic, thus being supportive for an aerobic microbial community. Crop rotation between wetland rice and upland maize is not uncommon, but the effect of this management on microbial colonization of plant roots is largely unknown and was the aim of our study.