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Assessing the impacts of forest conversion and seasonal dynamics on soil nutrient heterogeneity associated with termite mounds
| First Author: |
Thant, Myo |
| Abstract: |
Termite mounds function as nutrient hotspots, enhancing soil nutrient heterogeneity and microhabitat complexity. However, the extent of their influence across different land cover types and seasons has not been adequately explored. In this study, we investigated the impacts of a rubber plantation and a tropical natural forest on soil nutrient heterogeneity around termite mounds during both dry and wet seasons. We observed six termite mounds in the rubber plantation and eight in the natural forest. Soil samples were collected from termite nests and adjacent areas at increasing distances (0-5 m) in four cardinal directions. Results indicated that soil nutrient heterogeneity was significantly greater in the rubber plantation for exchangeable micronutrients (calcium, magnesium, manganese, and aluminum). In the natural forest, macronutrients (total carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and nitrite+nitrate) showed greater heterogeneity. Moreover, absolute concentrations of micronutrients were consistently higher in the rubber plantation than in the natural forest. This pattern likely reflects the accumulation of base cations from the subsoil layers for mound stability in the rubber plantation and the acidic conditions prevalent in the natural forest. Seasonal variations significantly influenced the concentrations of certain macronutrients (phosphorus, nitrite+nitrate, and ammonium) and micronutrients (aluminum and iron), but had limited effects on termite mound-associated heterogeneity across all soil nutrients. This highlights the consistent and unique influence of termite mounds on soil nutrient heterogeneity, regardless of seasonal variations. Understanding the soil heterogeneity around termite mounds underscores their critical role in nutrient distribution, biodiversity maintenance, and ecosystem resilience, with potential applications in improving ecological models and guiding conservation strategies. |
| Contact the author: |
Liu, SJ; Yang, XD |
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| Impact Factor: |
3.7 |
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| PubYear: |
2025 |
| Volume: |
589 |
| Publication Name: |
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT |
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