ABSTRACT
Termite is an endogenic exopterygotous insect, which is in the order Isoptera. Some termites build epigeal mound using soil particles, in other to protect themselves from predators and control the microclimate inside the mound where they inhabit. The study aimed at investigating the physical and chemical properties of Termitarium and its surrounding soil in the University of Benin.
The study was conducted on soil samples collected from termite mound and surrounding soil in three (3) locations (Hostel, Faculty of Agriculture and Capitol) within University of Benin, Nigeria. Some soil physical and chemical properties, exchangeable cations and some micronutrient status of the termite mound and surrounding soils were determined using standard procedure.
The results showed that the termite mound soil had mean values of 907.70, 47.53 and 44.77 g/kg for sand, silt and clay respectively in the Hostel location, however in Capitol termite mound had mean sand content of 876.26, 71.54 and 52.20 g/kg for sand, silt and clay respectively. In faculty of Agriculture, the sand content of the surrounding soil was observed to be slightly higher than the sand content of the Termite mound. Higher contents of soil chemical (pH, organic carbon, organic matter, total Nitrogen and available Phosphorus) properties, exchangeable cations, and some micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and Cr) were obtained in the Termite mounds, when compared with the surrounding soil. It is therefore recommended that farmers in the University of Benin should adopt the use of Termite mound debris as soil amendment to improve soil nutrient composition for effective plant yield.
