Nematodes, earthworms, and termites are some organisms that dwell in the soil. Nematodes are microscopic, while earthworms and termites can be seen with the naked eye. They affect crops and thus have interactions with the soil. This article is dedicated to the explanation of their activities in the soil.
Characteristics and Impact of Nematodes in Crop Production
These are of microscopic size; they are like worms, round and spindle-like in shape. The importance of nematodes in soil is not primarily related to soil fertility but that some are pathogenic to certain agricultural crops.
They usually infect the roots of such plants, thereby interfering with normal physiology and obstructing water and nutrient uptake. The plants infected are mostly horticultural crops like tomatoes, carrots, ornamentals, and fruit trees.
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Role of Earthworms in Soil Fertility and Structure
These are the first known larger animals in the soil. They thrive best in moist soil with an abundant supply of organic matter. They are very important in the fertility of the soil because they aid in humus formation by ingesting some organic debris and later egesting it as worm cast.
The worm cast usually contains high amounts of organic matter, N, Ca, Mg, and P. Earthworms help in the process of soil formation by building new topsoil every year. Studies have shown that earthworms contribute about a 2 cm thick layer of soil every 10 years.
Earthworms are also important because of their burrowing activities; the channels they leave behind are very effective in surface drainage and aeration. Earthworms also help to improve soil water infiltration, thereby preventing erosion.
Characteristics and Diversity of Termites in Tropical Soils
The presence of termites is one of the characteristics of most tropical soils. Termites exhibit great diversity in their feeding habits; some feed on organic residues, some on wood, and some cultivate fungi in their nests.
There are different forms of termite nests; some build huge nests about 3 meters in height and 12 meters in diameter.
The population of nests per hectare can be very high; in some cases, they can make up to 20% of the landscape and as many as 3,000 per hectare, especially during the rainy season.
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Importance of Termites in Soil Processes
This is under physical, chemical, and pedological aspects of the soil.
1. Physical Effects of Termites on Soil Structure
They carry only finer particles, thereby leading to an increase in the finer structure of the soil. The mound materials are more stable and better aggregated than the surrounding soil, thus affecting the structure of the soil.
Because of the numerous underground channels they create, the bulk density of the soil is reduced. Also, because the mound contains finer particles like clay and high organic matter, the water-holding capacity is increased.
2. Chemical Effects of Termites on Soil Fertility
The soil pH is higher in the mound material because of the accumulation of CaCO3. Organic matter is higher than in adjacent soil. The termite mounds contain higher amounts of Mg, P, Ca, and K, thus important in soil fertility.
3. Pedological Effects of Termites on Soil Formation
The activities of termites in bringing finer particles from the subsoil to the surface contribute to the formation of gravel and soil-free horizons.
Up to 560 kg per hectare per year of soil materials can be turned over through the activities of termites, thus helping in soil formation. It has been shown that the activities of termites lead to the formation of a 3 cm thick layer of soil every 100 years.
Nematodes are microscopic, worm-like, or spindle-like soil organisms. They interfere with the normal physiology of plants and obstruct water and nutrient uptake.
Earthworms are larger, very important in the fertility of the soil because they aid in humus formation. Termites have physical, chemical, and pedological effects on the soil.
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