@article{fdi:010087881,
  title = {{T}ermite constructions as patches of soil fertility in {C}ambodian paddy fields},
  author = {{M}uon, {R}. and {K}et, {P}. and {S}ebag, {D}. and {A}roui {B}oukbida, {H}anane and {P}odwojewski, {P}ascal and {H}erv{\'e}, {V}. and {A}nn, {V}. and {J}ouquet, {P}ascal},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{I}n {C}ambodia, termite mounds are commonly used by farmers as amendments to increase the fertility of their paddy fields. {H}owever, despite their utilization, their chemical and physical properties have not been described yet. {T}herefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the chemical and physical properties of two termite constructions commonly found in paddy fields: (a) termitaria built and occupied by the fungus-growing termite {M}acrotermes gilvus and (b) lenticular mounds that are initially built by termites but host a large diversity of other invertebrates and plants. {T}his study shows that these biogenic structures have very specific properties. {T}ermitaria were characterized by higher clay, phosphorus and electrical conductivity than the surrounding soil. {H}owever, their effect on carbon dynamics was limited to a modification of the interactions between soil organic matter and minerals and to the presence of carbonates. {A}t the same time, lenticular mounds appeared as patches of nutrients in paddy fields because they were always enriched in carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in comparison with the surrounding cultivated soil. {L}enticular mounds were also enriched in clay, although this effect was only measured when the sand content in the surrounding environment was >60%. {T}ogether with these changes, lenticular mounds were characterized by a lower bulk density, higher saturated hydraulic conductivity ({K}sat), and higher water holding capacity. {I}n conclusion, this study shows that termite constructions can be considered fertility and biogeochemical hotspots in paddy fields, thus explaining their use by farmers for improving the fertility of their lands.},
  keywords = {{CAMBODGE}},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{G}eoderma {R}egional},
  volume = {33},
  numero = {},
  pages = {e00640 [9 ]},
  ISSN = {2352-0094},
  year = {2023},
  DOI = {10.1016/j.geodrs.2023.e00640},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010087881},
}