Spatial shifts in methanogenic archaeal community composition in eight Chinese paddy soils

OBJECTIVE: The methanogenic archaea plays many ecological roles in paddy ecosystems such as the regulation of CH4 emissions. However, knowledge gaps exist about the mechanisms of their spatial shift in population. METHODS: We collected 8 latitudinal paddy soil samples from 20.55 degrees N to 47.43 degrees N in China, and studied their methanogenic archaeal community compositions by PCR-DGGE fingerprinting and phylogenetic analyses. Mechanism of spatial shift in community composition was unraveled by canonical correspondence analysis and Venn diagram. RESULTS: Soil pH was one of the main environmental triggers to the composition of methanogenic archaea community in paddy soils. In addition, community composition shifted along latitudinal gradients. CONCLUSION: It is the first report on biogeography of methanogenic archaeal community in arable soils and its environmental driving factors. The information would contribute to understanding spatial shifts in the transformation of organic matters along Chinese latitudinal gradient.