Taxonomic patterns in the nitrogen assimilation of soil prokaryotes.

Nitrogen (N) is frequently a limiting nutrient in soil; its availability can govern ecosystem functions such as primary production and decomposition. Assimilation of N by microorganisms impacts the availability of N in soil. Despite its established ecological significance, the contributions of microbial taxa to N assimilation are unknown. Here we measure N uptake and use by microbial phylotypes and taxonomic groups within a diverse assemblage of soil microbes through quantitative stable isotope probing (qSIP) with 15 N. Following incubation with 15 NH4+, distinct patterns of 15 N assimilation among taxonomic groups were observed. For instance, glucose addition stimulated 15 N assimilation in most members of Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria but generally decreased 15 N use by Firmicutes and Bacteriodetes. While NH4+ is considered a preferred and universal source of N to prokaryotes, the majority (> 80%) of N assimilation in our soils could be attributed to a handful of active orders. Characterizing N assimilation of taxonomic groups with 15 N qSIP may provide a basis for understanding how microbial community composition influences N availability in the environment.