Termite Mound Soil Research Articles

The potential of calcium carbide waste and termite mound soil as materials in the production of unfired clay bricks

This study investigated the physical, mechanical, thermal and microstructural properties of calcium carbide residue (CC) with chemical admixture (CA) stabilised clay bricks from termite mound clay soil (TMC). Four different mix ratios of B (TMC 70%+cement 30%+ CA 0.1); C (TMC 70%+cement 20%+ CC 10% + CA 0.1); D (TMC 70%+cement 10%+ CC 20% + CA 0.1) and E (TMC 70% + CC 30%+ CA 0.1) were produced, tested and the results compared with the control mix. Thermal conductivity, SEM, XRD and FTIR analyses were conducted to analyze the thermal, morphology and microstructural properties of the mixes. Initial rate of water absorption and water absorption after 2 and 24 h immersion showed that mixes B and C performed better than the rest with lower values that ranged from 12.5 to 33.3%. Dry shrinkage showed a progressive decrease as the CC content was increased from 10 to 20% in mixes C and D. Wet and dry compressive strengths had optimum performance at 4.33 and 17 MPa respectively for mixes with higher content of cement. The compressive strengths of mixes B, C, D and E fulfilled the minimum criteria of some building standards in some selected developing countries. SEM, XRD and FTIR analyses established that the use of varied CC content influenced the strength behaviour when added to cement and TMC. In conclusion the study has shown that incorporation of calcium carbide (10%), cement (20%) and a chemical additive (0.1) into termite mound clay soil would help in developing improved unfired clay bricks.

Metagenomic profiling of bacterial diversity and community structure in termite mounds and surrounding soils.

The study focuses on analysis of the compositional and diversity of bacteria in termite mound soils in comparison with the surrounding soils to verify the assertion that the high nutrient concentrations in termite mound soils influence a complex diversity of microorganisms. Here, whole DNA was extracted from soil samples collected from termite mounds and their surrounding soils which were 10m apart and subsequently, sequenced using shotgun metagenomic approach. Our findings showed that both environments have several soil bacterial phyla in common. However, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria significantly dominated the termite mound soils and the surrounding soils, respectively, with Tenericutes peculiar to only the termite mound soils. Furthermore, Bergeyella, Gloeothece, Thalassospira, and Glaciecola genera were exclusively identified in the termite mound soil samples. Diversity analysis showedthat bacterial composition was different among the four sites (phyla level). This study also revealed a lot of unclassified groups of bacteria and this could point to the presence of potentially novel species. The differences observed in the bacterial structure and diversity from this study may be ascribed to variances in the physicochemical nature existing between the two environments. Mapping out schemes to culture these unclassified groups of bacteria discovered from this study would possibly set the platform for the discovery of novel bacteria for biotechnological applications.

Review on Termite Mound Soil Characteristics and Agricultural Importance

Addition of soil with various amendments to boost up the nutrient content and moisture holding capacity is necessary for improving the crop productivity. Among the various amendments, compost prepared from the crop residues attracted much attention in recent years. The crop residues used as feedstock are added with different bulking materials such as rice husk and sewage sludge. In addition to these, termite mound soil which is available in plenty in tropical countries is found to be a suitable bulking material and is added with crop residues to obtain nutrient rich compost. In this paper we reviewed researches carried out on the characteristics, microbial diversity and organic matter degrading enzymes in termite mound soil. Further, the research carried out on the characteristics of compost amended with termite mound soil and its effect on crop productivity is also reviewed with the available literature. Majority of the investigations concluded that termite mound soil possessed more microbial population with a huge array of organic matter degrading enzymes. Few studies monitored the nutrient content of the soil and water holding capacity of the soil and crop yield when termite mound soil was used as a soil amendment. Limited studies were conducted using termite mound soil as a bulking material to compost crop residues. Based on the outcome of various studies, it is understood that the termite mound soil might be used as a soil amendment to increase growth and yield of crops.

Termite Societies Promote the Taxonomic and Functional Diversity of Archaeal Communities in Mound Soils.

Recent studies involving microbial communities in termite mounds have been more focused on bacteria and fungi with little attention given to archaea, which play significant roles in nutrient cycling. Thus, we aimed at characterizing the archaeal taxonomic and functional diversity in two termite mound soils using the shotgun sequencing method with the assumption that termite activities could promote archaeal diversity. Our findings showed that termite mound soils have archaeal groups that are taxonomically different from their surrounding soils, with Euryarchaeota, Korarchaeota, and Nanoarchaeota being predominant while Thaumarchaeota and Crenarchaeota were predominant in the surrounding soils. Additionally, the observed nutrient pathways: phosphorus, nitrogen, and sulfur were all significantly more predominant in termite mound soils than in their comparative surrounding soils. Alpha diversity showed that archaea were not significantly different within termite mound soils and the surrounding soils. The beta diversity revealed significant differences in the archaeal taxonomic composition and their functional categories between the termite mounds and surrounding soils. Our canonical correspondence analysis revealed that the distribution of archaeal communities was likely dependent on the soil properties. Our results suggested that termite activities may promote the diversity of archaea; with some of our sequences grouped as unclassified archaea, there is a need for further research to unveil their identity.

Prospects of Using Termite Mound Soil OrganicAmendment for Enhancing Soil Nutrition inSouthern Africa.

Termite mound soils are reportedly utilized as an alternative to NPK fertilizers by cash constrained smallholder farmers in some parts of Southern Africa. However, there is limited knowledge regarding their mineral nutritional value. The intention of this work was therefore to investigate the macro and micronutrient composition of different sections of the termite mounds; top, base and neighboring areas. The study approach involved physical and chemical analysis of 36 sites across Pemba and Choma districts in Southern Zambia through collection of soil samples in triplicate at 0–20 cm depth, using a soil auger. Findings revealed that the soil pH had elevated levels in the base segments of the termite mounds compared with the top and the neighbouring soils. However, elevated N, P and K levels were recorded in the top sections with significant differences (p < 0.05) in clay and silt composition observed. Additionally, metallic micronutrients, Cu and Zn were also found to be elevated in termite mounds in contrast to surrounding soils. We concluded that top termite mound soil should be considered as part of an integrated nutrient management strategy by financially challenged smallholder farmers cultivating in light textured soils of southern Africa.

Termite mound soil properties in West Bengal, India

Termites are ecosystem engineers, they play a major role in the biotransformation and modification of soil physicochemical and morphological properties. This study was conducted to evaluate the explored and compared physicochemical and morphological characteristics of soil between termite mounds and surrounding surface soil. Therefore, this study, especially emphasizes the impacts of the mound soil on the surrounding surface soil properties and also to find out the difference between the mound soil properties and surrounding surface soil properties at different soil depth, and characteristic of termite mounds. This study unveils that mound soil properties are directly proportional to the surrounding surface soil properties except for porosity and dispersion ratio. But mound soil properties are not significantly affecting all surface soil properties. The termites have a significant role to change soil physicochemical and morphological properties and there is a significant difference in soil physicochemical properties between mound and surrounding surface soil. However, relatively greater bulk density, clay content, soil pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, exchangeable calcium, exchangeable magnesium, exchangeable sodium, total exchangeable base cations and cation exchange capacity in mound soil than surrounding surface soil. But the relatively lesser value of porosity, dispersion ratio, exchangeable potassium, phosphorus, exchangeable acidity, and C: N ratio is found in mound soil than surrounding surface soil. Conical shaped mounds have greater nutrient concentration than surrounding surface soil. It also highlighted that most of the termite mound consists of trees and bushes containing 8–21 hole or chamber. The termite mounds have granular structure and particle shape are rounded to subrounded, which make them different from surrounding areas. This study suggests and statistically prove that termites have a significant effect on soil properties, they produce physicochemically more quality soil and have an influence on surrounding soil properties.

Potentials of bentonite enhanced termite mound soil for bottom lining in waste containment system

The sole purpose of a compacted landfill liner is to contain and mitigate the impact of leachate on the environment. This research assessed the engineering properties of bentonite enhanced termite mound mixture to ascertain their suitability as an alternate landfill liner. The mixture of mound soil and bentonite was proportioned by percentage weight as (100:0), (95:5), (90:10) and (85:15) respectively. The compaction analysis reveals an optimum moisture content ranging from 13.80% to 18.52% and a maximum dry density that varied from 1.72 g/cm 3 to 1.88 g/cm 3 . The hydraulic conductivity result of 15% bentonite-mound soil mixture (0.23 x 10 -9 m/s) established hydraulic conductivity less than 1 x 10 -9 m/s, which satisfied the criteria for landfill liner. Hence, a mixture of 15% bentonite enhanced mound soil is found suitable as an alternate bottom liner.

English

Termitarian, the epigeal biogenic structure constructed by termites are widespread in the forest and derived savannah regions of Nigeria. Soil modification, with particular focus on the mineralogy, variation in geochemical composition and geotechnical properties of termite mound soil samples collected from nine location in the Ika area, Delta State of Nigeria are the objectives of this report. The major elements geochemical composition of the termite mound soil samples determined by XRF was found to be mainly SiO2 (40.25%), Fe2O3 (29.27%), Al2O3 (24.25%) and T1O2 (4.27%). The other major elements; CaO, MnO, MgO, Na2O and P2O5 were present at less than 1%. Trace element compositions of the termite mound soil samples were found to be Cr (8.20- 23.10 mg.kg-1), Pb (3.95- 13.85 mg.kg-1); Cu (2.75-12.00 mg.kg-1), Zn (3.60-9.60 mg.kg-1) and Cd (1.90-3.15 mg.kg-1). Minerological composition of the termite mound soil samples determined by XRD revealed significant hematatic composition with a range of 60.17-83.78%, antigorite (5.24 -24.17%) and quartz (7.14-14.67%). Anthophylite (19.92%) was found in only one termite mound soil samples. The geotechnical tests carried out on the termite mound soil samples included: Grain size, atterberg limit, compaction and triaxial tests. The range of values of the determined properties: Uniformity coefficient (3.75-7.50), coefficient of curvature (0.20-2.70), plasticity index (10.83-28.45%), plasticity limit (13.47- 19.57%), optimium moisture content (7.20- 15.40%), maximum dry density (1.72-2.10g.cm-3), angles of friction (2.83- 24.77°) and cohesion of up to about 50.11 KN.m2, suggest that the termite mound soil may have limited application in soil stabilization and concrete works. Key words: Ika, geotechnical, geochemical, termite, mound.

Unveiling Plant-Beneficial Function as Seen in Bacteria Genes from Termite Mound Soil

The use of termite mound soils in enhancing soil fertility and plant growth, especially in areas with poor soil conditions, has been recommended by many research studies. Most of these recommendations are, however, based on the high nutrient levels in termite mound soils. Thus, this study aimed to verify if plant growth–promoting bacteria in termite soils also play a role in improving plant growth. To achieve our purpose, we made an effort in characterizing the bacterial genes contributing to plant-beneficial function in termite mound soils with the shotgun metagenomics method. Results from this study revealed the presence of bacterial genes involved in the production of siderophores, acetoin, trehalose, phenazine, butanediol, 4-hydroxybenzoate, chitinase, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase, quorum sensing molecules, and mineral phosphate solubilization. In addition, we identified bacterial genes involved in the manufacturing of catalases, peroxidases, and superoxide dismutases that confer resistance to oxidative stresses in plants. Bacterial genes responsible for glycine-betaine production and cold and heat shock tolerance which helps in withstanding abiotic stress, were also present. With these plant growth–promoting traits observed in bacteria from termite mound soils, we recommend the isolation and the use of termite mound soil bacteria both in greenhouse and field trials to further ascertain their potential in improving soil fertility and crop production.

Improvement of the Geotechnical Properties of the Soil of Lime-Treated Cubitermes Mound Soil

This work consisted in determining the geotechnical properties of the soil of the Cubitermes termite mound soil treated with lime for use in road construction in accordance with the relevant standards. The raw soil is composed of 29.45% clay, 45.12% silt and 25.43% sand, and its granulometric curve is above the relevant standard curve. The addition of lime up to 9% decreases the fine fraction content from 75% to 60%, and the maximum dry density from 1.62 t/m3 to 1.36 t/m3. The reduction of the fine fraction should reduce the soil sensitivity to water, and the emission of dust from the road. The compressive strength of the raw soil (3.89 MPa) is higher than that of most cohesive soil, and is probably one the causes of the longevity of the rural road paved with this soil. Treated soil with 6% in lime content has the highest compressive strength (5.95 MPa), and the lowest deformation at failure. Until 28 days, the improvement of the compressive upon the curing time is almost the same for untreated and treated termite mound soils. Thus, this improvement could be mostly attributed to the drying of the samples instead to the pozzolanic reactions. Besides, adding lime also enhances the shear strength of soil. Therefore, adding lime up to 6% in content to the termite mound soil should improve its behavior as surface roads.

Measurement of the Thermal Conductivity and Rainwater Resistance of the Stabilized Mound Soil with Cement

This study is the result of experimental work in the field thermal of buildings. The study focuses on mounds termite’s clays. In this study a thermal analysis by the measurement of the thermal conductivity and the thermal resistance is carried out. This approach to determining the characteristics of materials has led to a better understanding of the possible choice of local building materials available in Chad. The estimation of thermal parameters of building materials plays a key role in a large number of scientific and industrial fields. Our choice has been focused on the termite mound soil which is currently of interest as a result of availability, energy crisis and that of housing.Unlike cement concrete, thé soil has long been used as a building material with practically many environmental benefits and considerable energy savings. The results obtained showed that the materials we used have a appreciable thermal properties. Brick from naturally occurring mound termite soil has better thermal resistance than brick made from mound termite soil, which means it is worked in advance. The influence of density on thermal resistance has been demonstrated. The stabilization of the cement reinforced the structure of the material and its resistance to erosion of the rain water.

Trait divergence of woody species in relation to affinity for termite mounds in Upper Katanga (DR Congo)

AbstractQuestionDo functional traits vary in relation to affinity for termite mounds in trees of dry tropical woodlands?LocationNorth of the Zambezian Region, Plain of Lubumbashi, Upper Katanga, DR Congo.MethodsIn four woodland sites, the occurrence of a total of 3,454 stems, on and off Macrotermes mounds has been recorded. Twenty‐one functional traits including foliar concentrations of nutrients, specific leaf area (SLA), and leaf dry matter content (LDMC) were determined in 36 species. Intraspecific variation of traits was examined in one species (Dalbergia boehmii) occurring both on and off mounds.ResultsMost species had a narrow niche, with 22 species (31%) showing a strong positive affinity for termite mounds (&gt;90% of occurrences) (T species), and 43 species (61%) showing strong negative affinity (&lt;10% of occurrences) (NT species). Strong divergence of traits was found between T and NT species. Affinity for termite mounds was positively correlated to SLA and foliar concentrations of B, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, and negatively correlated to LDMC and leaf thickness. Intraspecific variation in D. boehmii showed the same pattern, though with a smaller amplitude.ConclusionsStrong environmental filters are structuring the vegetation of dry tropical woodlands, with termitophilous species expressing a syndrome of faster resource capture and use, in line with the higher nutrient and water availability of termite mound soil. Broad‐niched species are either more plastic, or have evolved locally adapted populations.

Experimental Study on Sand and Cement Replacement by Termite Mound Soil

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of the compressive strength of concrete cubes containing termite mound soil. The specimens were cast using M20 grade of concrete. Two mix ratios for replacement of sand and cement are of 1:1.7:2.7 and 1:1.5:2.5 (cement: sand: aggregate) with water- cement ratio of 0.45 and varying combination of termite mound soil in equal amount ranging from 30% and 40% replacing fine aggregate (sand) and cement from 10%,15%,20% were used. A total of 27 cubes, 18 cylinders and 6 beams were cast by replacing fine aggregate, specimens were cured in water for 7,14 and 28 days. The test results showed that the compressive strength of the concrete cubes increases with age and decreases with increasing percentage replacement of cement and increases with increasing the replacement of sand with termite mound soil cured in water. The study concluded that termite mound cement concrete is adequate to use for construction purposes in natural environment.

Profiling the Functional Diversity of Termite Mound Soil Bacteria as Revealed by Shotgun Sequencing.

Profiling the metabolic processes performed by bacteria is vital both for understanding and for manipulating ecosystems for industrial or research purposes. In this study we aim to assess the bacterial functional diversity in termite mound soils with the assumption that significant differences will be observed in the functional diversity of bacteria between the termite mound soils and their surrounding soils and that each environment has a distinguishing metabolic profile. Here, metagenomic DNA extracted from termite mound soils and their corresponding surrounding soils, which are 10 m apart, were sequenced using a shotgun sequencing approach. Our results revealed that the relative abundances of 16 functional categories differed significantly between both habitats. The α diversity analysis indicated no significant difference in bacterial functional categories within the habitats while the β diversity showed that the bacterial functional categories varied significantly between the termite mound soils and the surrounding soil samples. The variations in soil physical and chemical properties existing between the two environments were held accountable for the differences in bacterial functional structure. With the high relative abundance of functional categories with unknown function reported in this study, this could signify the likelihood of getting novel genes from termite mound soils, which are needed for research and commercial applications.

Environmental Sustainability: A Review of Termite Mound Soil Material and Its Bacteria

The high quantity of nutrients accumulated in termite mound soils have placed termite mound as a ‘gold mine’ for bacteria concentrations. However, over the years, not much attention has been given to the bacteria present in termite mound soil. This is because many studies have focused on approaches to manage termites which they see as menace to agricultural crops and buildings. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the potential application of termite mound soil material and its bacteria for biotechnological purposes. This review has been grouped into four key parts: The termite mound as hotspot for bacterial concentration, the degradation of lignocellulose for biofuel production, termite mound soil as a soil amendment, and the role of termite mound soil and its bacteria in bioremediation and bio-filtration. Therefore, the effective usage of the termite mound soil material and its bacteria in an ecofriendly manner could ensure environmental sustainability.

Effect of mound-building termites on soil physicochemical properties and sugarcane stalk heights

This study investigated soil factors responsible for localised patches of enhanced sugarcane growth on the remains of termite (Macrotermes natalensis) mounds observed on predominantly coarse-textured soils (weak sands) of KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. Soil samples (0–20 cm depth) were collected and sugarcane stalk heights determined from termite-mounds and their immediate surrounds located in the North Coast and Midlands South regions (three per location). Mean clay and total carbon levels were 45 and 3.9 g kg−1 higher, respectively, in the termite-mounds relative to the immediate surrounding soils. In addition, termite-mound soil had lower acid saturations and higher pH, calcium, magnesium, zinc, nitrogen and silicon contents than surrounding soils. Although interactions between sampling regions and position (termite-mounds vs surrounds) showed no signifi- cant differences, a greater impact of termite activity associated with higher clay content was observed on the North Coast. These results suggested that increasing organic matter facilitated by activity of termites may improve the fertility of the ‘weak sands’ and thus increase the growth of sugarcane.

Possible mineral contributions to the diet and health of wild chimpanzees in three East African forests.

We present new data on the ingestion of minerals from termite mound soil by East African chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) living in the Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda, the Gombe National Park and the Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania. Termite mound soil is here shown to be a rich source of minerals, containing high concentrations of iron and aluminum. Termite mound soil is not, however, a source of sodium. The concentrations of iron and aluminum are the highest yet found in any of the mineral sources consumed. Levels of manganese and copper, though not so high as for iron and aluminum, are also higher than in other dietary sources. We focus on the contribution of termite mound soil to other known sources of mineral elements consumed by these apes, and compare the mineral content of termite soil with that of control forest soil, decaying wood, clay, and the normal plant-based chimpanzee diet at Budongo. Samples obtained from Mahale Mountains National Park and Gombe National Park, both in Tanzania, show similar mineral distribution across sources. We suggest three distinct but related mechanisms by which minerals may come to be concentrated in the above-mentioned sources, serving as potentially important sources of essential minerals in the chimpanzee diet.

Review of the nature of some geophagic materials and their potential health effects on pregnant women: some examples from Africa

The voluntary human consumption of soil known as geophagy is a global practice and deep-rooted in many African cultures. The nature of geophagic material varies widely from the types to the composition. Generally, clay and termite mound soils are the main materials consumed by geophagists. Several studies revealed that gestating women across the world consume more soil than other groups for numerous motives. These motivations are related to medicinal, cultural and nutrients supplementation. Although geophagy in pregnancy (GiP) is a universal dynamic habit, the highest prevalence has been reported in African countries such as Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, Nigeria, Tanzania, and South Africa. Geophagy can be both beneficial and detrimental. Its health effects depend on the amount and composition of the ingested soils, which is subjective to the geology and soil formation processes. In most cases, the negative health effects concomitant with the practice of geophagy eclipse the positive effects. Therefore, knowledge about the nature of geophagic material and the health effects that might arise from their consumption is important.

Lignocellulosic Enzyme Production by Termitomyces spp from Termite Garden

In nature, microorganisms including fungi are the most efficient cellulose and hemicelluloses degraders through production of lignocellulosic enzymes. Termitomyces spp., a wild edible mushroom is well known for production of lignocellulosic enzymes. Twenty isolates of Termitomyces spp. were isolated at 10^-4 dilution with pour plate method from different locations of termite mound soil of Tamil Nadu. Based on their morphological and cultural characteristics, the isolates were identified as Termitomyces. Growth conditions and cultural characteristics of Termitomyces spp. isolates were studied. The results showed that the isolates grew well in Malt extract agar medium with pH 5.5 when incubated at 27℃ for 7 days. The isolates were screened for the activity of enzymes e.g., cellulase, amylase, xylanase, polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activities at seven different incubation periods. Maximum activity of the enzymes was observed on 12^th day after inoculation which declined thereafter.

Potentials of termite mound soil bacteria in ecosystem engineering for sustainable agriculture

The environmental deteriorating effects arising from the misuse of pesticides and chemical fertilizers in agriculture has resulted in the pursuit of eco-friendly means of producing agricultural produce without compromising the safety of the environment. Thus, the purpose of this review is to assess the potential of bacteria in termite mound soil to serve as biofertilizer and biocontrol as a promising tool for sustainable agriculture. This review has been divided into four main sections: termite and termite mound soils, bacterial composition in termite mound soil, the role of bacteria in termite mound soil as biofertilizers, and the role of bacteria in termite mound soil as biocontrol. Some bacteria in termite mound soils have been isolated and characterized by various means, and these bacteria could improve the fertility of the soil and suppress soil borne plant pathogens through the production of antibiotics, nutrient fixation, and other means. These bacteria in termite mound soils could serve as a remarkable means of reducing the reliance on the usage of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in farming, thereby increasing crop yield.