Vertical distribution of soil microbial biomass and its association with shrubs from the Negev Desert

► Vertical changes of abiotic & biotic variables below desert shrubs were exhibited. ► Abiotic conditions below shrubs were influenced by their physiological adaptations. ► CFU, CO2 evolution rate, Cmic & Corg were significantly related to plant and depth. ► Compared to bacteria, fungal CFUs were more sensitive to Na+ & Ca++ concentration.