The influence of termites on soil sheeting properties varies depending on the materials on which they feed

Ecosystem services of termites (Blattoidea: Termitoidae) in the traditional soil restoration and cropping system Zaï in northern Burkina Faso (West Africa)

“…However, to minimize energy resources, termites most likely use different strategies depending on whether they are constructing longlasting soil structures (mounds, nests) or temporary ones (soil sheetings) (Jouquet et al, 2002a;Abe and Wakatsuki, 2010). In a recent study in India where Odontotermes sheetings also differed depending on the food type covered, results suggested that the properties of the sheetings were adapted to their prospective lifespan with longer-lasting galleries on tree stems being more different from control topsoil than structures built on leaves and wood on the ground (Jouquet et al, 2015). We did not collect galleries built on tree stems, neither did we analyse for any statistical differences between the sheeting types.…”

“…In the rainy season this was only observed in Odontotermes sheetings built on compost. Jouquet et al (2015) assumed that Odontotermes in India selected small size aggregates enriched in clay and stabilized SOM from topsoil to construct sheetings. Most dry-season sheetings showed increased cation exchange capacity (CEC) values, higher contents of the agronomically important basic cations (Na + , K + , Mg 2 ), and plant-available nutrients (Tables 4 and 5).…”

Influence of soil type on the properties of termite mound nests in Southern India

“…This enrichment in clay particles improves the resistance of termite mounds to predators and rain and it is usually more significant in long-lasting structures than in short-lived soil constructions (Jouquet et al, 2002(Jouquet et al, , 2005(Jouquet et al, , 2007(Jouquet et al, , 2015a. Termites also influence soil chemical properties, such as soil C and N contents within their nest materials.…”

Coptotermes sp. Termite Attacks in Some Locations of Red Meranti (Shorea leprosula Miq.) Plantation

“…Meranti (S. leprosula) trees were attacked by termite had a trunk covered by termite nest made from soil. Termite species confirmed the fact that soil engineers can have a greater impact on soil [8]. Termite may have collected a greater part of their building materials from the local thin soil cover [6].…”

“…Termite could be found from leaves on the ground, fallen branches, and vertical soil sheetings covering the bark of trees [8]. Termite could digest cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignocellulose efficiently from wood [9].…”