Publications des scientifiques de l'IRD

Jouquet Pascal, Jamoteau F., Majumdar S., Podwojewski Pascal, Nagabovanalli P., Caner L., Barboni D., Meunier J. D. (2020). The distribution of Silicon in soil is influenced by termite bioturbation in South Indian forest soils. Geoderma, 372, 114362 [8p.]. ISSN 0016-7061.

Titre du document
The distribution of Silicon in soil is influenced by termite bioturbation in South Indian forest soils
Année de publication
2020
Type de document
Article référencé dans le Web of Science WOS:000535713600011
Auteurs
Jouquet Pascal, Jamoteau F., Majumdar S., Podwojewski Pascal, Nagabovanalli P., Caner L., Barboni D., Meunier J. D.
Source
Geoderma, 2020, 372, 114362 [8p.] ISSN 0016-7061
Si is one of the most abundant element on earth and an abundant literature shows its beneficial effects on plant growth and resistance. We here question the influence of termites, as key soil bioturbators, on the distribution of Si in a tropical soil. The abundance and forms of Si in termite mounds build by Odontotermes obelus (TM) or in the soil eroded from TM but redistributed on the ground surface (EROD) were compared to those measured in the 0-5 (Ctrl(0-5)) and 70-120 cm soil layers (Ctrl(70-120)). Although termites use the soil from Ctrl(70)-(1)(20) for building their mounds, we found that TM and EROD had intermediate soil physical, chemical and mineralogical properties between Ctrl(0-5) and Ctrl(70)(-1)(20). Clay content was not significantly different between soil materials. However, the lower variability measured in TM than in the soil suggested that termites used soil layers with higher amounts of clay fraction and with a preference especially for layers enriched in 2:1 clay minerals (smectite) most likely because they provide better physical properties in terms of plasticity and water retention than kaolinite. Finally, phytoliths and bioavailable Si (Si-CC) contents were increased in TM in comparison with Ctrl(70)(-1)(20), suggesting an incorporation of phytoliths in termite construction through their saliva and/or an increasing availability of Si-CC from the minerals. In conclusion, this study highlights how termites, through their feeding and building activities, impact Si distribution in tropical soils.
Plan de classement
Pédologie [068] ; Biologie du sol [074]
Description Géographique
INDE
Localisation
Fonds IRD [F B010078105]
Identifiant IRD
fdi:010078105
Contact