Distinct spatiotemporal patterns between fungal alpha and beta diversity of soil–plant continuum in rubber tree

Plants harbor diverse microorganisms in both belowground and aboveground compartments, which play a vital role in plant nitrogen supply and growth promotion. Understanding the spatiotemporal patterns of microbial communities is a prerequisite for harnessing them to promote plant growth. In this study, we show that the alpha and beta diversity of soil-plant continuum in rubber tree exhibited distinct spatiotemporal pattern. Alpha diversity is highly dependent on seasonal changes, while beta diversity only showed a geographical variation pattern. Climatic factors were the most important factors in shaping fungal alpha diversity. Leaf phosphorus (P) and soil available potassium (AK) were major drivers to induce geographical variation.