Termites and Soil Properties

Abstract

Abstract:This chapter reviews the advances made in our knowledge of the effects of termites on the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils. Emphasis has been placed on more recent contributions, particularly those that explore new concepts in the ecology of termites and soils. There are sections dealing with the effects of termite activity on soil profile development, soil physical properties, soil chemical properties, soil microbiology and plant growth. The physical effects of termites on soils range from micromorphological to soil profile evolution and structure. Recent evidence points to the substantial positive influence of termites on soil hydraulic conductivity and infiltration rates. Their influence on organic matter decomposition and nutrient recycling rates are well recognized and in some landscapes termite mounds act as foci for nutrient redistribution. New information on the microbiology of termite mounds suggests that most are sites of diverse bacterial and fungal activity. Furthermore, the association between mound-building termites and the microbial population present in the structures has a synergistic effect on organic matter decomposition and hence nutrient cycling and availability. Examination of the effects of termite activity on plant production generally indicates a positive influence.

Insect‐mediated nitrogen dynamics in decomposing wood

“…manure, woody debris, etc.) to encourage termite activity (Nyamapfene, 1986;Logan, 1992;Batalha et al, 1995;Wood, 1996;Black & Okawol, 1997;Brouwer & Bouma, 1997;Holt & Lepage, 2000). In Australian wheat fields, Evans et al (2011) reported a 70% reduction in mineral N concentrations in soil from which termites and ants had been excluded compared with control plots.…”

Chemical Composition and Modeling of the Functions of Termitarium

“…Micas from vermiculite by weathering, releases K + and replaces other exchangeable cations mainly Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ [9,13]. Following this reason, it could be speculated that clay minerals rich in K + would be modified during the construction of termite moulds because of K + extraction by a biological metabolism of soil-feeding termites by which free charges would be neutralized with cations from organic matter such as A1 3+ .…”

“…Since oxic horizons are generally low in silt, the contribution of this particle size fraction to exchange reaction is negligible, moreover, the small quantities of micas which might be present do not participate significantly in the possible exchange or fixation of NH 4 + by K + ions [9]. The finest soil particles are dominantly composed of Kaolinite, goethite and various amounts of other Iron and Aluminium oxides.…”

Role of Soil Macrofauna in Phosphorus Cycling

“…Termites play an important role in the transformation processes of organic compounds in savannahs and tropical forest ecosystems (e.g., Lee and Wood 1971;Bignell and Eggleton 2000;Holt and Lepage 2000;López-Hernández 2001). Data on the P content of termite mounds in relation to adjacent soils are sometimes contradictory.…”