Termite mounds are known as nutrient hotspots, augmenting soil nutrient heterogeneity and microhabitat complexity. However, the extent of their impact across various land cover types and seasons remains inadequately investigated.

In a study published in Forest Ecology and Management, researchers from Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences uncovered striking differences in how termite mounds influence nutrient distribution in natural forests versus rubber plantations. They revealed the distinct contributions of termite mounds to ecosystem resilience and biodiversity, and the minimal seasonal impacts on their soil-enriching functions.

Researchers conducted an analysis of soils from six termite mounds situated in a rubber plantation and another eight situated in a natural forest throughout Xishuangbanna. Samples were collected from both the mound nests and the surrounding areas, up to a distance of five meters, during both the dry and wet seasons. The nutrient levels were measured to evaluate the spatial and temporal variations.

Researchers found significantly higher soil nutrient heterogeneity in rubber plantations than in natural forests. In tropical natural forests, termite mounds significantly enhance the heterogeneity of macronutrients such as carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and nitrates in surrounding soils. Conversely, rubber plantations exhibited greater micronutrient heterogeneity (calcium, magnesium, manganese, aluminum) around termite mounds.

This was likely due to termites transporting subsoil minerals to stabilize mounds in nutrient-poor plantation soils. The absolute concentrations of micronutrients were consistently higher in rubber plantations, which contrasts with the acidic, nutrient-recycling environment found in natural forests.

Moreover, researchers revealed that although seasonal variations influenced the absolute concentrations of certain nutrients (e.g., phosphorus, nitrates, ammonium, aluminum, and iron), these changes had minimal effects on the heterogeneity of nutrient distributions around termite mounds in both ecosystems. This highlights the consistent role of termite mounds as annual nutrient regulators, irrespective of rainfall or drought conditions.

"Termite mounds serve as persistent nutrient hotspots, enhancing microhabitat complexity which in turn supports biodiversity and ecosystem stability. The integration of termite mound conservation into land management strategies is crucial, especially in tropical regions that are currently experiencing deforestation," said YANG Xiaodong from XTBG.