The effects of camponotus japonicus ant on container-grown leguminous plants

Abstract

Ants play a major role in changing the microscopic ecosystem. They constitute a significant part of the animal biomass and also act as soil engineers in soil ecosystems. The existence of ant colonies does affect the growth of surrounding plants and the living environment of other animals. This paper explores the impact of ants on the growth of leguminous plants. By placing C. japonicus individuals in an artificial environment, the nesting behavior and hunting behavior of ants could affect the environment in which legumes grow are maximized. The nesting behavior of ants causes seeds to sink into the soil, thereby slowing down the germination time of plants. Besides, the results suggested that the greater the number of ants, the greater their ability to influence the soil. At the same time, ants also produce more organic waste, accelerating the growth of legumes.