Effects of termites on the physical and chemical properties of the acid sandy soils of southern Nigeria

This study was aimed at characterizing the effects of the activity of termites of the genus Nasutitermes on the physico-chemical properties of the acid sandy soils of southern Nigeria. Selected morphological properties of the termite mounds were measured in the field. Outside portions of the termite mound and surface (0-15 cm) soil were collected and analyzed for some physical and chemical properties. Results obtained showed a density of 112 mounds ha(-1) with average height of 0.85 m. There were significantly higher proportions of clay, silt, and organic carbon, and higher pH, exchangeable potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), available phosphorus (P), effective cation exchange capacity and base saturation in the mounds of the Nasutitermes than in the surrounding topsoil. Mounds of Nasutitermes termites, if returned to the soil, could improve the properties of the soil in areas where termites occur in large numbers.