Termite activities and surface characteristics of coastal plain sands

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of mound building termites on the increase in the quantity of fine particles of the dimension of clay on the surface of coastal plain sands of south-eastern Nigeria. Six termite mounds were selected in different locations, destroyed completely and sampled in three replications. Surface and subsurface soils were sampled within the periphery of the termite mounds in similar replications as the mounds. Samples were processed and analyzed in the laboratory. Data were analysed using ANOVA, correlation and principal component. Termite mounds were not common but massive, with base diameter more extensive than height. The major determinants (responsible for 28%) of the effects of termite activities on the surface characteristics are total sand, clay and silt + clay. Termite mounds were similar to the surface soil in available phosphorus, exchangeable sodium and potassium, effective cation exchange capacity, fine sand and silt. These similarities result from homogenization through erosion and redistribution of the mound material within the surface soil vicinity. The fortified mound materials redistributed in surface soil vicinity is responsible for the high clay, elevated pH, enhanced effective cation exchange capacity, improved structural stability, minimized leaching and subsequently improved fertility of coastal plain sands.

Genesis and Classification of Termite-Mediated Soils along Toposequences in a Semiarid Area of Southeast Ethiopia

“…Based on the OC-to-clay index stated by Merante et al [56], the high to moderate OC content in pedon M02 could also be associated with a complex OC with clay content, which could lead to C stabilization. Regarding the OC levels of the mounds, the result is consistent with the observation of Obi et al [57] and demonstrates topographic efects. In addition to the high mineralization rate in a semiarid area, the fact that fungus-growing termites mineralize about 20% of the total OC [11] probably results in a low OC content.…”

“…While termite pedoturbation did not afect the Na + and Mg 2+ across the toposequences, their efects were evident for Ca 2+ at all locations and K + at the foot slope and bottom slope positions. In support of this study, Obi et al [57] also considered Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , and K + as indicators of pedoturbation.…”

Harnessing the Untapped Potential of Termite Mound Soil for the Improvement of the Growth of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench)

“…the area where the termites build their mound contribute to a greater extend in determining the fertility of the termite mound soil (Bonanomi andMazzoleni, 2005, Passioura, 2002). Homogenization of the constituent of the mound materials and redistribution to the surrounding environments through washing away of the mound soils also plays a part in the uniform distribution of materials around the mound which might also affect the growth of the plant (Obi et al, 2019). Termites mound soil can serve as amendments most especially to subsistence farmers who could not afford fertilizers to supplement the nutrient deficient soils of their farm lands ( Yanggen et al, 1998;Chisanga et al, 2020).…”

“…While -Zörb et al (2014) reported some of the symptoms of potassium deficiencies in plants to include brown spots on leaf surface or edge of the leaves and chlorosis at the tip of the older leaves. Smil (1999) reported that symptoms could be remedified by applying sufficient potassium fertilizers to the farmland Obi et al (2019) revealed that there is no difference in termite mounds soil and that of the surface soil in available phosphorus, exchangeable sodium and potassium, effective cation exchange capacity, fine sand and silt where they suggest that the similarities were as a result of uniform distribution through erosion and redistribution of the mound material around the mound that were studied. Similarly, Tilahun et al (2021) reported the availability of nutrients in termite mound soils and its efficacy as soil amendment.…”