How Do Termites Help the Ecosystem?
WouterTermites are crucial to the health of subtropical rain forests and warm temperate woodlands. They play an important role in nutrient cycling and water dynamics in soils. They can also be major contributors to carbon cycle activity.
Across the globe, there are more than 2500 species of termites. These animals are capable of efficiently digesting a wide variety of organic detritus. They are also very important food sources for many creatures. In addition, they influence the distribution of natural resources throughout the landscape.
As one of the most common pests, termites impact plant and crop yields. Studies in Africa and Asia have shown that the incidence of termites can be reduced by intercropping with legumes.
In agro-ecosystems, litter-feeder termites consume organic amendments. The nutrients are temporarily incorporated into the mound. When termites are removed from an ecosystem, the resilience of the soil ecosystem declines. However, there are several promising strategies to minimize the impact of termites. These include stimulating predators and entomopathogens. Another strategy is to provide alternative food sources.
Agricultural Zai systems are often the triggers for termite activity. These systems allow the creation of large galleries in the soil. These galleries increase water infiltration and improve soil macroporosity. This helps the surrounding areas rebound faster after rainfall.
Termites also improve water distribution in soils. As part of the decomposition process, termites create pools of carbon in the soil. The pools promote fertility and plant growth. They also reduce the amount of nutrients lost by fire.
