Termite Mounds Effects on Soil Properties in the Atlantic Forest Biome

Abstract

ABSTRACT:Termites have peculiar activities in the soil, inducing significant changes in the soil properties. The objective of this study was to assess physical and chemical properties and soil organic matter to evaluate the effect of termite activity and termite mounds on the soil. Two toposequences were selected and divided in slope thirds (shoulder, backslope, and footslope). In each of these, four termite mounds were selected. Samples were taken from the soils and termite mounds (top, center, and base) along with a variety of termites for identification. Analyses were carried out for physical, soil texture, and chemical properties, as well as for particle size and chemical fractioning of organic matter. The species Cornitermes cumulans was found in all mounds. Soil with termite mound presented higher clay content, acidity, and Al 3+ content. Phosphorus contents differed considerably between mound material and soil. Sum of bases and cation exchange capacity of the soil were higher in mounds, and differed within the mounds, according to the sampling height. Total organic carbon and particulate carbon content were highest at the mound base. A marked disparity was observed between the contents of humic substances in the mounds and surrounding soil, with humin fraction differences in distinct topographic position. The high nutrient contents detected in the termite mounds confirm the importance of termites in concentrating nutrients.

Influence of water repellent chemical additive and different curing regimes on dimensional stability and strength of earth bricks from termite mound-clay

“…This soil alteration achieved by the termites reduced the mound vulnerability to erosion and failure. This was also corroborated by Lima et al [32] who stated that minerals, cation exchange capacity and clay contents were found in the mound soil compared to the surrounding soils. A similar observation was also made by Abe et al [33] when they worked on termites mound within the Nigerian Southern Guinea Savanah region.…”

Unveiling Plant-Beneficial Function as Seen in Bacteria Genes from Termite Mound Soil

“…Termites are entirely eusocial and have a strong ecological impacts in subtropical and tropical environments (Yin et al 2019). The mound-building activities of termites in soil induce substantial changes in the soil properties and processes (Lima et al 2018). Soils from termite mounds are rich in minerals like phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, and exchangeable basic cations, and other mineral components, due to the activities that take place in them (Cheik et al 2019).…”

Biodiversity and distribution of termite nests in West Papua, Indonesia

“…Sample soil analysis conducted by Soil Research Association Bogor confirmed that soil texture in Gunung Meja Nature Tourism Park consists of loamy clay, dusty loam, dusty loamy clay and loam. de Lima et al (2018) reported that soil with termite mounds performed higher clay content, acidity, and Al 3+ content. Moreover explained by Mujinya et al (2013) that clay content in termite nests/mounds can be twice higher than in the surrounding soil.…”