Is Termite Abiotic Or Biologic?
WouterSoil-dwelling social insects play a major role in the modification of the soil, and are recognized as ecosystem engineers. They physically manipulate the environment to increase or decrease the quantity of nutrients in the soil. They also build visible biogenic structures that influence the diversity of animals and microbial populations in the area.
Subterranean termites form a decentralized foraging network that connects food sources in the soil. Their biogenic structures contain soil, frass, and saliva. These components are used in the assembly of cryptic structures that can have important implications for nutrient cycling and soil properties.
Termites may increase or decrease the amount of micronutrients in the soil depending on their life history, feeding behavior, and habitat. They fragment woody debris and transport nutrients to the soil.
In addition to their influence on the soil, wood-feeding termites have been found to have a profound effect on the nutrient dynamics of temperate forests. Besides the obvious physical manipulation, termites also sequester digestible constituents of wood, and shift the ratio of C to non-carbon elements. This process may contribute to increased C levels after the wood passes through the alimentary tract.
Studies have also focused on the role of termites in tropical systems. In these environments, they have been found to create nutrient islands. These islands influence the vegetative growth patterns of trees. They influence microbial diversity and soil nutrient dynamics. They have been studied as soil engineers.
Termite activity may also lead to decreased carbon storage in tropical forest soils. However, the exact impact of termite activity on carbon is unknown.
