Effects of Termite mounds on Agro-Ecosystems in Semi-Arid Zones of Nigeria

Termites activities related to the management of tropical and sub-tropical ecosystems, have been little studied.We evaluated, the effects of termite mounds, on soil fertility, as influenced, by different agroecology, in Semi-Arid parts of Nigeria.Samples of soil were taken from termitaria and surroundings.The samples were analyzed for physical and chemical properties.Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and means separated with Duncan Multiple Range Test at 0.05 probability level.Physical properties of termitaria had higher Clay + Silt contents, associated with good structure, increased water holding capacity with good drainage.Chemical properties showed increased organic matter, higher total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable calcium, magnesium and potassium, effective cation exchange capacity, than the adjacent or surrounding soils.The physical and chemical properties of termitaria are far better, significantly (p<0.05),across agro-ecology, with Guinea savanna having, highest improvement, in contrast to Sudan and Sahel Savanna.Improvement in physical and chemical properties of termitaria was attributed to the activities of termites.As the case may be, study revealed, termite mounds are enriched in mineral resources that can be used as organic amendments on sustainable basis.Farmers rather than removing completely termitaria, could be used in soil tillage, for crop production.