Soil Physic-chemical Properties in Termite Mounds and Adjacent Control Soil in Miyo and Yabello Districts of Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abiyot Lelisa Deke

doi:10.11648/j.ajaf.20160404.11

Abstract

This study was conducted in two districts of Borana (Yabello and Miyo). The objective of the study was to examine the soil texture and macronutrient distribution in termite mounds in relation to adjacent soil. Standard procedures were used to analyse the soil physic-chemical properties. One way ANOVA was used to compare results among control soil, external termite mound and internal termite mound materials. The study revealed that termites had produced a soil different in soil texture and some nutrient content than the surrounding soils. Internal termite mound at both study sites were enriched with clay in relation to external and control soil. SOM and CEC contents of control soils were higher at Boku Luboma. SOM content of external termite mound at Did Yabello was lower in relation to internal termite mound and control soil. The termite mound at Did Yabello had higher CEC content in relation to the surrounding soil. Ex. Ca content of termite mound did not show significant difference in relation to control soil. Termite activities enriched mound soil with Exchangeable potassium content. In order to design proper termite management techniques, termite species in Borana should be identified. There is no trend of termite mound use as soil amendment in Borana. In future, amount of termite materials to be incorporated to soil to increase crop yield and socio economic factors that affect use of termite materials as soil amendment should be studied.

Highlights

It is being recognized that termites are an important component of agro-ecosystems, in developing countries where they are an alternative to high priced inputs
Clay particles were significantly higher in the internal mound at both study sites (34.6% ± 3.8% clay particles at Yabello -Did Yabello and 49.2% ± 1.4% at MiyoBoku Luboma)
The clay content in sandy and sandy loam soil can be improved by incorporating the termite mound materials in to soil which intern improve soil physic-chemical properties

Summary

Introduction

It is being recognized that termites are an important component of agro-ecosystems, in developing countries where they are an alternative to high priced inputs. Mound-building termites are recognized as “ecosystem engineers” because they promote soil transformation by disturbance processes [1]. They collect particles from different soil depths and deposit them in mounds, so that contents of organic carbon, clay and nutrients, pH and microbial population are higher in termite mounds than in the adjacent soils unmodified by termites [2]. Given the major problems in the Sahel of soil crusting and nutrient depletion, termites can play a vital role if proper management techniques are practiced. Termites contribute to the rehabilitation of crusted soils, by opening up voids on the sealed surface leading to improved infiltration capacity, and improved water availability

Objectives

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Results

Conclusion