Temporal dynamics of ammonia oxidizer (amoA) and denitrifier (nirK) communities in the rhizosphere of a rice ecosystem from Tai Lake region, China

► Denitrifiers (nirK) always dominated the amoA (AOA and AOB) in all soil samples. ► Rice rhizosphere showed significant effect on ammonia oxidizers and denitrifiers. ► Structure and abundances of AOB and denitrifiers linked with rice were dynamic over time. ► AOA structure and abundance showed higher stability in paddy soil across growth stages.