The researchers studied the differences in soil microbes between two desert plants, Haloxylon ammodendron and Haloxylon persicum, in the Gurbantunggut Desert. They found that the bacteria and fungi in the rhizosphere (root zone) of these plants were more diverse and different from those in the surrounding soil. The soil's moisture, salinity, and nutrients affected the bacterial community, while available nutrients were the most important factor driving microbial diversity. The bacteria in desert soil varied based on plant species and soil type, showing that closely related plants can host different microbial communities. These findings help us understand how plants and soil microbes interact in deserts and can help in combating desertification.