Abstract
Soil dwelling termites dig nests in the ground that have a significant impact on the soil environment. Activities of termites can result in accumulation of organic matter and enrichment of nutrients and minerals in the soil. Samples from the nest/surrounding soils of two termite species (Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki) and Reticulitermes flaviceps (Oshima)) and termite non-invaded soils in the seawall of the Qiantang River, Zhejiang Province, China were collected and analysed for soil pH. The results show that the observed termites prefer an acidic environment and that their activities elevate the pH of termite mound soil compared with surrounding soil. Considering the differences in the distribution areas, termite species, and properties of termite mounds and surrounding soils, this paper also examines the literature concerning the effects of termites on soil pH. After summarizing the pH of the termite survival soil environment, the feasibility of termite control by modifying the soil pH is addressed. Finally, some topics for future research are discussed.
Highlights
Termites are considered to be an important asset in the soil ecosystem; their activities alter the soil pH, organic carbon content, water content and void ratio (Lee & Wood, 1971; Nutting et al, 1987; de Bruyn & Conacher, 1990; Asawalam et al, 1999; Sarcinelli et al, 2009)
The objectives of the present study were to (1) evaluate the influence of soil pH resulting from activities of the observed termites, and (2) probe the feasibility of termite control using saline soil in terms of soil pH modification
The material of seawall filling soil is mainly composed of silty clay
Summary
Termites are considered to be an important asset in the soil ecosystem; their activities alter the soil pH, organic carbon content, water content and void ratio (Lee & Wood, 1971; Nutting et al, 1987; de Bruyn & Conacher, 1990; Asawalam et al, 1999; Sarcinelli et al, 2009). Termites have become a serious menace to both plants and structures. Dams and reservoirs, and agricultural fields are vulnerable to termite attack (Su & Scheffrahn, 1998; Verma et al, 2009; Tian et al, 2009). Termites have caused an annual economic loss of over 1000 million dollars and 250-300 million dollars in the USA and China, respectively (Verma et al, 2009). Effective methods have been taken to control termites, including physical, chemical, biological and bait technologies (Su & Scheffrahn, 1998; Su, 2002). Termite control using saline soil is a novel technology that was recently developed in China
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