Abstract
Bioturbation by termites is considered a key process in the regulation of soil properties in tropical soils. The 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. However, while these hypotheses are attractive, they do not always offer a sufficient explanation for understanding termite bioturbation behavior. Here, we used ecological stoichiometry theory to propose a third hypothesis that bioturbation can also be explained by the limitation of termites for Na+. This chemical element is missing from the vegetation consumed by termites, while it plays an important role in the regulation of termites’ physiological processes. In old and highly weathered soils, such as those found in the tropics, a significant source of Na+ for termites likely comes from 2:1 minerals, which are only available in the deeper soil layers. Therefore, this article aims to propose the hypothesis of the use of bioturbation by termites as a means to fulfill their need for Na+. The impacts of this ecological process on ecosystem functioning and soil fertility are discussed.
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Acknowledgements
As in any opinion paper, the concepts and ideas formulated in this article result from dialogs with many colleagues and peers, who are all acknowledged. We also thank the reviewers and the editor for their constructive remarks and significant help in improving the manuscript. Finally, we are grateful to Cristal Ricoy Martinez for the illustration and L. Ganesha for his unconditional support.
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Jouquet, P., Bruand, A. Bioturbation as a means to circumvent sodium limitation by termites? Suspected processes and ecological consequences. Biol Fertil Soils 59, 567–570 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-023-01752-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-023-01752-2