Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Soils Modified by Earthworms and Termites

Asawalam, D. O.; Johnson, Sharon

doi:10.1080/00103620601174569

Cited by 15 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…Yet, the finding of significantly higher termite diversity in the organic highinput system demonstrates that farming practices such as applying compost, mulch and cover crops as well as irrigation can mitigate the negative effects of farming on termite diversity. In addition, these farming practices can have a positive effect on soil quality (see introduction and [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21]), and might contribute to an improved productivity of maize crop in organic high-input system [28,29].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The impact of conventional and organic farming on soil biodiversity conservation: a case study on termites in the long-term farming systems comparison trials in Kenya

et al. 2020

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Background: A long-term experiment at two trial sites in Kenya has been on-going since 2007 to assess the effect of organic and conventional farming systems on productivity, profitability and sustainability. During these trials the presence of significant numbers of termites (Isoptera) was observed. Termites are major soil macrofauna and within literature they are either depict as 'pests' or as important indicator for environmental sustainability. The extent by which termites may be managed to avoid crop damage, but improve sustainability of farming systems is worthwhile to understand. Therefore, a study on termites was added to the long-term experiments in Kenya. The objectives of the study were to quantify the effect of organic (Org) and conventional (Conv) farming systems at two input levels (low and high) on the abundance, incidence, diversity and foraging activities of termites. Results:The results showed higher termite abundance, incidence, activity and diversity in Org-High compared to Conv-High, Conv-Low and Org-Low. However, the termite presence in each system was also dependent on soil depth, trial site and cropping season. During the experiment, nine different termite genera were identified, that belong to three subfamilies: (i) Macrotermitinae (genera: Allodontotermes, Ancistrotermes, Macrotermes, Microtermes, Odontotermes and Pseudocanthotermes), (ii) Termitinae (Amitermes and Cubitermes) and (iii) Nasutitiermitinae (Trinervitermes). Conclusions:We hypothesize that the presence of termites within the different farming systems might be influenced by the types of input applied, the soil moisture content and the occurrence of natural enemies. Our findings further demonstrate that the organic high input system attracts termites, which are an important, and often beneficial, component of soil fauna. This further increases the potential of such systems in enhancing sustainable agricultural production in Kenya.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In combination with some agronomic inputs (e.g. mulch), termite presence has been found to improve water permeability [15,16] and nutrient availability [17]. Similarly a direct link exists between higher termite abundance and enriched organic matter contents [18,19], increased soil porosity [20], released plant nutrients and stable soil micro-aggregates [21].…”

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confidence: 99%

The impact of conventional and organic farming on soil biodiversity conservation: a case study on termites in the long-term farming systems comparison trials in Kenya

et al. 2020

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“…Subsequently, P is returned to the soil in organic forms as litterfall or dead plant or microbial biomass. Forest fauna are also a source of P o to tropical soils, and faunal activity can affect P o cycling in complex ways (Asawalam and Johnson 2007). In tropical forests growing on highly weathered soils, P o represents a large proportion of total soil P (Ultisols and Oxisols contain~44% organic P; Table 14.1), particularly when compared with other soil orders in which mineral P is the dominant form (all other soil orders contain~17% organic P) (Cross and Schlesinger 1995).…”

Section: Mineralizationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Phosphorus Cycling in Tropical Forests Growing on Highly Weathered Soils

et al. 2010

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“…This finding indicates that soil pH is not a limiting factor in the activity of subterranean termite attacks. The activity of termites can increase the pH of soil, which can cause the content of nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as the concentrations of copper, molybdenum, and manganese, to be relatively higher than in unmodified soils [29]. This outcome is in line with research by [30], who found that Cubitermes fungifaber can increase the pH in soils that have a low initial pH value; increase organic carbon, water content, and the amount of kaolinite; and reduce quartz.…”

Section: Environmental Conditions a Soil Phmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hazard Mapping of Subterranean Termite Attacks in Makassar City, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Arif

Putri

Muin

2019

Insects

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Termites are distributed throughout the world and often cause economic losses. This study aims to; (1) analyze the relationship between the distribution of termite species and the environmental conditions of Makassar city; (2) determine the level of attack in the Makassar City; and (3) map the risk of termite attack in the Makassar City. Samples of Pinus merkusii (2 × 2 × 20 cm) were placed at 13 observation stations and covered using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubes (4″ in diameter, 25-cm in length). Samples remained in place for 6 months, at which point the presence of termite attacks as well as their intensity and frequency were analyzed. Three species of termites were found among the 13 stations: Schedorhinotermes sp., Coptotermes gestroi, and Microcerotermes serrula. Their presence was significantly influenced by environmental factors at each station. The study results showed a low rate of attack in several subdistricts of Bontoala, Biring Kanaya, Makassar, Mamajang, Mariso, Manggala, Panakukang, Rappocini, Tallo, Tamalanrea, Tamalate, Ujung Pandang, Ujung Tanah, and Wajo districts. A medium level of attacks was found in subdistricts within Biring Kanaya, Manggala, Mamajang, Panakukang, Rappocini, and Tallo Districts. Finally, a high risk of termite attacks was present in several subdistricts of Biringkanaya, Tamalantera, Rappocini, Manggala, and Tamalate districts.

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Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Soils Modified by Earthworms and Termites

Cited by 15 publications

References 13 publications

The impact of conventional and organic farming on soil biodiversity conservation: a case study on termites in the long-term farming systems comparison trials in Kenya

The impact of conventional and organic farming on soil biodiversity conservation: a case study on termites in the long-term farming systems comparison trials in Kenya

Phosphorus Cycling in Tropical Forests Growing on Highly Weathered Soils

Hazard Mapping of Subterranean Termite Attacks in Makassar City, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

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