Showcasing the Rhizosphere ofMedicago Polymorpha’sAbility to Produce Biofuels, Fix Nitrogen, and Demonstrate Similarities to Native Plant Species During a Drought Season

Acknowledging the impact of environmental change on microbial communities, provided the distinct rationale to the role of a plant’s capabilities within its underground network of life. Wildfires are associated with a significant decrease in microbial enzymatic activity within days, yet the long-term effects remain understudied. By focusing on microbial modifications, influenced by drought and shifts in community and functional profiles, this study contributes to understanding relationships in plant species. This study investigated the microbial composition and functional characteristics of the bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere ofMedicago polymorphaduring the wildfire season at Sage Hill. It aimed to assess alterations in microbial life post-drought, honing onActinobacteria,Proteobacteria, andFirmicutes, the most abundant and climate-tolerant phyla. Key results showed bacterial isolates capable of cycling biofuels and nitrogen, surprisingly resembling native species more than invasive, and showing similarities to the past wet season than to the current arid one. Statistical analysis revealed significantly different bacterial abundances and identities compared to the plants present within the same season, highlightingActinobacteriaandProteobacteriaas highly responsive to climate changes. Further analysis showed greater similarities to native species despiteMedicago polymorpha’sinvasiveness. Over half of the microorganisms hydrolyzed their environment and produced biofuels. One-third generated siderophores and 60% demonstrated nitrogen fixation. The results emphasize the understanding of microbial shifts that occur in plant species, using the new soil site ofMedicago polymorphaas a model of how arid ecosystems inform agricultural development. These findings support microbial resilience and provide strategic agriculture in drought-prone environments.