Abstract

FERREIRA, Eric Victor de Oliveira et al. Termites action on the soil. Cienc. Rural [online]. 2011, vol.41, n.5, pp. 804-811.  Epub Apr 12, 2011. ISSN 0103-8478.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-84782011005000044.

The order Isoptera is well known by its potential as a plague, although the number of species that are plagues is small within the group. Termites are the dominant invertebrates in tropical terrestrial environments and are spread from tropical rainforests to the savannahs, being found even in arid regions, in various habitats. These insects have a major role and are still little studied in tropical ecosystems. Nutrient cycling, aeration, water infiltration of soil, bioturbation, aggregates formation and organic material decomposition, are processes influenced by the action of termites, which , directly or indirectly, affect soil and landscape formation wherever they are. We suggest that a better approach must be addressed in future researches about these insects influence in the soil under specified conditions of use and management, in sustainable food production and climate changes.

Keywords : Isoptera; termite activity; soil biology; bioturbation; plague-termites.