The Role of Termites in Soil Formation in the Tropical Semi-Deciduous Forest Zone, Ghana

Abstract

Abstract Soil Macrofauna especially insects have been recognized as being an important factor in regulating soil processes and thereby the soil profde development. The influence of earthworms is well documented and it is the dominant member of the soil macrofauna influencing the soil formation processes in the temperate zone. In the tropics, termites and ants play the major role in the nutrient recycling and the movement and transportation of soil material. This paper describes the influence of termites on the soil formation in the tropical wet semi-deciduous forest in Ghana at the north coast of the Gulf of Guinea. The termites form distinct soil horizons especially at the summits of the landscapes where gravel free soil horizons are formed upon gravel rich horizons, and in some cases soil heaps are formed after the decomposition of huge trees. Key words: Termitesforest catenasoil profile developmentGhana