The Brazilian soil microbiome

Abstract

Brazil, where several biomes occur with an extraordinary exuberance of flora and fauna, is recognized worldwide as an important hotspot for biodiversity. However, a key but yet unexplored component of this biodiversity is represented by the microbial life that permeates Brazilian soils. This chapter aims to summarize the characteristics and knowledge of microbial life in Brazilian soils-the soil microbi- ome. Our summary will encompass soils occurring in pristine conditions, such as those from the Amazonia, Caatinga, Atlantic rainforest, Pantanal, and Pampa biomes, in combination with commentaries about soils used for agriculture in Brazilian territory. The chapter provides information about the occurrence and functionality of microbes in soils. Here, we aim to link the occurrence of microbial groups with soil characteristics. A great part of the information on this issue is recent, as promoted by the adoption of culture-independent analyses. We hope to provide here information compiled for people interested in soil microbiology. Possibly, this compilation will constitute the first step toward the inclusion of microbial life in the Brazilian inventory of biodiversity.