midDRIFTS-based partial least square regression analysis allows predicting microbial biomass, enzyme activities and 16S rRNA gene abundance in soils of temperate grasslands

► Potential and accuracy of midDRIFTS-PLSR-based predictions of microbiological properties were verified and improved, respectively, for differently managed grassland ecosystems. ► We introduced for the first time midDRIFTS-PLSR to predict molecular properties (i.e., 16S rRNA gene abundance). ► Spatial midDRIFTS-PLSR-based predictions between studied grassland ecosystems were 'moderately successful'.