12.19 Effects of Ants and Termites on Soil and Geomorphological Processes

Whitford, Walter G.; Eldridge, David J.

doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-374739-6.00335-3

Cited by 30 publications

(30 citation statements)

References 79 publications

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“…Published estimates indicate that >10 kyr are required to produce a stone layer at depths <1 m, with some evidence that these take 20–30 kyr to form. Field estimates for northern Australia (11.5 to greater than 17.7 kyr; Williams, ) are broadly consistent with global estimates of soil turnover by termites (Holt et al, ; Nye, ; Whitford & Eldridge, , table 2) and with experimental data on turnover rates (Salvador‐Blanes, Minasny, & McBratney, ).…”

Section: Modeling the Development Of Termite Stone Layerssupporting

confidence: 74%

“…There are no quantitative data on the relationship between termite abundance (population density) and soil turnover rate although these variables can be assumed to be positively correlated. In northern Australia, field estimates of turnover rates of 0.48 m 3 ·ha −1 ·year −1 (equivalent to 0.521 ton·km −2 ·year −1 ; Williams, ) are of the same order as experimental approximations (~1.1 ton·km −2 ·year −1 ) and global estimates (300–3000 kg·ha −1 ·year −1 ; Whitford & Eldridge, , table 2). Estimates of the rate of deposition of fine sediments on the ground surface in northern Australia vary but are mostly >2.5 mm/100 year (2.5–50 mm/100 year, Holt et al, ; 10 mm/100 year, Lee & Wood, , p. 251).…”

Section: Modeling the Development Of Termite Stone Layersmentioning

confidence: 74%

“…In northern Australia, field estimates of turnover rates of 0.48 m 3 ·ha −1 ·year −1 (equivalent to 0.521 ton·km −2 ·year −1 ; Williams, 1968) are of the same order as experimental approximations (~1.1 ton·km −2 ·year −1 ) and global estimates (300-3000 kg·ha −1 ·year −1 ; Whitford & Eldridge, 2013,…”

Section: Intensitymentioning

confidence: 76%

“…Disturbance by invertebrates is harder to identify or quantify but may be significant. For example, ants and termites can move large volumes of sediments (>300 kg·ha −1 ·year −1 ; Cowan, Humphreys, Mitchell, & Murphy, ; Dragovich & Morris, ; Richards, ; Whitford & Eldridge, , table 2).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

How do we distinguish termite stone lines from artefact horizons? A challenge for geoarchaeology in tropical Australia

2019

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Can we distinguish stone lines created by termite bioturbation from genuine artefact horizons? This is a challenge for field archaeology and geoarchaeology in northern Australia, where termites are abundant. We review published data to (a) present a model of the evolution of stone lines and (b) develop guidelines for recognizing these bioturbation products in archaeological contexts. In case studies, we examine Madjedbebe and Nauwalabila, two sites in northern Australia. The early occupation levels at these sites are pivotal to ideas about initial human occupation of the Australian landmass but there are claims these are unrecognized stone lines. Our assessment is that neither Madjedbebe nor Nauwalabila contain termite stone lines, although both sites may have complex geomorphic and taphonomic histories.

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Section: Modeling the Development Of Termite Stone Layerssupporting

confidence: 74%

Section: Modeling the Development Of Termite Stone Layersmentioning

confidence: 74%

Section: Intensitymentioning

confidence: 76%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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How do we distinguish termite stone lines from artefact horizons? A challenge for geoarchaeology in tropical Australia

2019

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“…This would likely extend the period over which decomposition and mineralization occur. Echidnas often burrow into the nests of ants and termites, which are themselves ecosystem engineers that enhance soil physical and chemical properties through their central place foraging (Whitford & Eldridge ). It is probable, therefore, that some of the chemical differences that we measured in echidna foraging pits could result from the build‐up of nitrogen and carbon due to invertebrate activity.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Contrasting effects of two mammalian soil engineers on microbial communities

et al. 2016

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Soil‐texture affects the influence of termite macropores on soil water infiltration in a semi‐arid savanna

2020

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Subterranean termites create tunnels (macropores) for foraging that can influence water infiltration and may lead to preferential flow to deeper soil layers. This is particularly important in water limited ecosystems such as semi-arid, agriculturally utilized savannas, which are particularly prone to land degradation and shrubencroachment. Using termite activity has been suggested as a restoration measure, but their impact on hydrology is neither universal nor yet fully understood. Here, we used highly replicated, small-scale (50 × 50 cm) rain-simulation experiments to analyse the interacting effects of either vegetation (grass dominated vs. shrub dominated sites) or soil texture (sand vs. loamy sand) and termite foraging macropores on infiltration patterns. We used Brilliant Blue FCF as colour tracer to make the flow pathways in paired experiments visible, on either termite-disturbed soil or controls without surface macropores in two semi-arid Namibian savannas (with either heterogeneous soil texture or shrub cover). On highly shrub-encroached plots in the savanna site with heterogeneous soil texture, termite macropores increased maximum infiltration depth and total amount of infiltrated water on loamy sand, but not on sandy soil. In the sandy savanna with heterogeneous shrub cover, neither termite activity nor shrub density affected the infiltration. Termite's effect on infiltration depends on the soil's hydraulic conductivity and occurs mostly under ponded conditions, intercepting runoff. In semi-arid savanna soils with a considerable fraction of fine particles, termites are likely an important factor for soil water dynamics.

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12.19 Effects of Ants and Termites on Soil and Geomorphological Processes

Cited by 30 publications

References 79 publications

How do we distinguish termite stone lines from artefact horizons? A challenge for geoarchaeology in tropical Australia

How do we distinguish termite stone lines from artefact horizons? A challenge for geoarchaeology in tropical Australia

Contrasting effects of two mammalian soil engineers on microbial communities

Soil‐texture affects the influence of termite macropores on soil water infiltration in a semi‐arid savanna

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