BIOGENIC TURBATION OF MEADOW SOILS BY THE SPECIES OF- ANTS LASIUS FLAVUS

Abstract

Problem Statement ami Purpose. The influence of Lasius flams ants on the bioturbation processes in soils and then properties are insufficiently studied, which determines the relevance of the research.The purpose of the research is to describe the agrophysical state of the soil in the context of influence of Lasius flams ants. The object of the research is meadow soils under grassland and ant colonies formed thereon. The subject of the research is granulometric, microaggregate, structural and aggregate composition, general physical properties of soils and ant colonies.Data & Methods. In the article, our own field and laboratory research materials were used. Common methods of soil research (comparative-geographical, comparative- profile. analytical) were used. The assessment of the physical condition of soils and ant colonies was carried out by calculating the corresponding coefficients and indicators.Results. Activity of the Lasius flams ants affected the granulometric composition of soils, no unidirectional changes were detected though. Both decrease and increase in the granulometric composition as compared to the undisturbed meadow soils have been observed.Microaggregate composition of the ant colonies as compared to the undisturbed soils is characterized by better water resistance, ability to structure formation, anti­erosion resistance. According to the calculations, the Kachynskyi’s structural factor in the meadow soils is equal to 27.40%. the microstructure of soils is estimated as satisfactory. In ant colonies, the structural factor is 2.38-5.40%, microstructure is characterized as high.In the aggregate structure of the ant colonies, the content of agronomically valuable aggregates of 10-0.25 mm is increasing reaching the level of 53.03-83.94%. the structure is characterized as satisfactory and good. The structure coefficient varies within 1.12-7.85 which also irrdicates a satisfactory and good structure formation of soils.In ant colonies, there is a significant decrease in the structure density as compared with undisturbed soils - from 1.41 -1.44 g/cm3 to 0.78-1.08 g/cm3, which characterizes their composition as loose and rich hr organic remains. The total porosity hr ant colonies increases to 59.55-68.67%. i.e., it is characterized as excellent. Moreover, Lasius flams ants improve soils aeration.Therefore. Lasius flams ants caused changes irr the physical properties of the meadow soils, which can be assessed as positive irr the context of the agro- and ecoplrysical condition of soils.