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Physicochemical Properties and Heavy Metal Content of Termite Mound in Relation to No-Mound and its Implication in Agriculture
Authors: Mbah.N.Charles., Ukpa Calista., Nwali., Emmanuel., Attoe,E,Emmanuel.,Ojikpong.O. Tom. and Idike .I. Francis..
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Termite can be a major agricultural pest particularly in Africa where crop losses can be severe. This paper investigated the effect of termite mound (TM) and non-termite mound (NTM) on soil physico-chemical properties and heavy metal content of an ultisol in South Eastern Nigeria. Thirty soil samples were collected at 3 depths (0-20, 20-40 and 40-60 cm) from TM and adjacent soil 50 m away (NTM). The samples were analyzed for bulk density (Bd) gcm- 3 , total porosity (%),OC%, available P, Ph, exchangeable bases, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and heavy metasl ( Fe,Zn) . Termite mound (TM) significantly improved soil physico-chemical properties relative to NTM. Soil bulk density significantly (p<0.05) decreased in TM relative to NTM. Observed Bd values ranged between 1.12-1.20 gcm-3 in TM and 1.30-1.51gcm-3 in NTM. Highest OC (2.18%) and CEC (1.72 cmolkg-1 ) values were observed at 0-20cm depth in TM . These values were 58% (OC%) and 28% (CEC), respectively, higher than OC% and CEC (Cmolkg-1 ) at same depth in NTM. Termite mound significantly increased heavy metal content (Zn, Fe) relative to NTM but not to Ecotoxological level.