@article{fdi:010052089,
  title = {{E}ffect of different termite feeding groups on {P} sorption and {P} availability in {A}frican and {S}outh {A}merican savannas},
  author = {{L}opez {H}ernandez, {D}. and {B}rossard, {M}ichel and {F}ardeau, {J}.{C}. and {L}epage, {M}ichel},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{N}est structures of six termite species, four with epigeous (above-ground) and two with subterranean nests were analysed to find out how their building and feeding habits could be related to their nests phosphorus status compared with control soils. {T}ermite nest structure was found to affect significantly the {P} status in savanna soils: mounds of the {A}frican {T}rinervitermes geminatus and the {S}outh {A}merican {N}asutitermes ephratae (both grass-feeders) displayed a greater amount of available {P}, especially in the inner part of the nest, than the surrounding soil. {T}he abundant quantities of dead grass material stored in the mound can explain the available soil {P} increase. {A} similar increase in {P} availability was also found for the soil-feeder {C}ubitermes severus. {I}n mounds of {M}acrotermes bellicosus, on the other hand, there was a drastic increase in {P} sorption (and a corresponding decrease in available {P}) compared to adjacent soils, which was attributed to the building strategy of this species. {M}. bellicosus selected clay from subsoil to build its nest structure. {T}he data obtained for the subterranean species {A}ncistrotermes cavithorax and {M}icrotermes toumodiensis indicated also that there is an increase in {P} sorption in mounds when compared with associated topsoils. {C}onsequently, the nest structures of only certain termite species should be considered, and utilised, as a soil amendment in place of fertilisers. {T}his impact on the {P} cycle in savannas seems to be related to the termite feeding status and to the type of material utilised in nest building. {T}his should be taken into account before using termite nest material in soil fertility status improvement.},
  keywords = {termite nests ; savannas ; {P} sorbing ; {P} availability ; soil fertility},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{B}iology and {F}ertility of {S}oils},
  volume = {42},
  numero = {3},
  pages = {207--214},
  year = {2006},
  DOI = {10.1007/s00374-005-0017-x},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010052089},
}