@article{fdi:010088150,
  title = {{B}ioturbation as a means to circumvent sodium limitation by termites ? : suspected processes and ecological consequences},
  author = {{J}ouquet, {P}ascal and {B}ruand, {A}.},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{B}ioturbation by termites is considered a key process in the regulation of soil properties in tropical soils. {T}he concentration of clay and the presence of 2:1 clay minerals in termite soil are usually explained by the need for termites to build stable biogenic structures and/or to have access to water only available in the lower soil layers. {H}owever, while these hypotheses are attractive, they do not always offer a sufficient explanation for understanding termite bioturbation behavior. {H}ere, we used ecological stoichiometry theory to propose a third hypothesis that bioturbation can also be explained by the limitation of termites for {N}a+. {T}his chemical element is missing from the vegetation consumed by termites, while it plays an important role in the regulation of termites' physiological processes. {I}n old and highly weathered soils, such as those found in the tropics, a significant source of {N}a+ for termites likely comes from 2:1 minerals, which are only available in the deeper soil layers. {T}herefore, this article aims to propose the hypothesis of the use of bioturbation by termites as a means to fulfill their need for {N}a+. {T}he impacts of this ecological process on ecosystem functioning and soil fertility are discussed.},
  keywords = {{T}ropical soils ; {C}lay ; 2:1 clay minerals ; {S}oil fertility},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{B}iology and {F}ertility of {S}oils},
  volume = {59},
  numero = {6},
  pages = {567--570},
  ISSN = {0178-2762},
  year = {2023},
  DOI = {10.1007/s00374-023-01752-2},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010088150},
}