Keywords
bioindicators
tropical microbiome
beta diversity
mangroves
agriculture
How to Cite
Abstract
Objective: this study characterized the taxonomic structure of soil bacterial communities at the family level across different land uses (forests, mangroves, beaches, and agricultural systems) in Barra de Santiago National Park, El Salvador, to identify bioindicator taxa and their relationship with physicochemical variables. Methodology: we used 16S rRNA gene sequencing (V4 region) and multivariate analyses to link bacterial composition with soil properties. Key Results: differential taxa associated with each environment were identified. Forests, with high organic matter and neutral pH, were dominated by Hyphomicrobiaceae and Pirellulaceae. Mangroves showed a predominance of Desulfobacteraceae, while beaches harbored unique communities dominated by Piscirickettsiaceae, reflecting extreme environmental pressures. Agricultural systems exhibited microbial homogenization linked to intensive practices. Land use was the key modulator of these communities, with pH, metals (Cu), and phosphorus as the primary drivers. Conclusion: the identification of families such as Desulfobacteraceae and Piscirickettsiaceae as specific bioindicators underscores their potential for environmental monitoring. However, the homogenization in agricultural soils signals ecological risks, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices.
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