Soil is a living entity, comprising an inseparable mixture of solid, liquid and gaseous phases, and diverse fauna and flora, the below ground biodiversity. The macrofauna consists of animals longer than 4 mm or wider than 2 mm, which are easily located by the naked eye and include arthropods, molluscs and earthworms. This review is aimed at developing an inventory of the present knowledge about macrofauna in ecosystems in Uganda and identifying future priorities for research, application and capacity building. It is noted that there are a few assessments of soil macrofauna, diversity and abundance made for different habitats. Similarly, studies on their importance in ecosystems, distribution patterns, management, linkage with above ground biodiversity and effects of land use on them are deficient. Further, there is little documentation of farmers' knowledge and practices related to soil macrofauna management and conservation. It is also noted that the current gaps in the soil macrofauna data and information have been caused by lack of capacity and expertise to identify, evaluate and manage this resource. More research and training in the taxonomy, ecology, economic evaluation and management of this fauna are suggested.

To develop an inventory of the present knowledge about soil-borne pests (insects, fungi, nematodes and bacteria) in Uganda, we review in this paper, aspects of their diversity, abundance, distribution in agro-ecosystems control approaches as well as their role in sustainable land management. Knowledge gaps about the soil pests and short falls in human resource capacity are identified as possible factors affecting the development of appropriate management packages for the soil pests. Priority research areas and capacity building needs are suggested.

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Field experiments were conducted to investigate the attractiveness of fish bones to predatory ants in a maize agroecosystem. The fish bones were applied crushed in shallow furrows together with dry maize stalks, or broadcast on the soil surface at 3 application rates: 0, 40 and 80 kg/ha; subsequent reduction in termite attack on maize plants was then assessed. Burying the fish bone powder caused higher ant nesting (10-78 %) than surface broadcasting (12-39 %). Attractiveness of the fish bones and the predatory efficiency of the ants against termites in maize was also highest with a dose of 80 kg/ha (1.0 kg/plot) causing higher nesting of ants (>90 %) and 54 % lower termite damage to maize plants compared to control plots. Dose responses indicated significant relationships between amount of fish bone powder applied and termite activity and also between termite damage and maize yield. The mechanism by which the ants are able to protect maize against termite damage may be twofold: direct kill as a result of their predatory action and termite avoidance of maize plants with ant nests. Further studies are required to assess the potential benefits of an integrated use of this technique with other non-chemical options for termite control in maize, such as intercropping.