Termite constructions as patches of soil fertility in Cambodian paddy fields

In Cambodia, termite mounds are commonly used by farmers as amendments to increase the fertility of their paddy fields. However, despite their utilization, their chemical and physical properties have not been described yet. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the chemical and physical properties of two termite constructions commonly found in paddy fields: (a) termitaria built and occupied by the fungus-growing termite Macrotermes gilvus and (b) lenticular mounds that are initially built by termites but host a large diversity of other invertebrates and plants. This study shows that these biogenic structures have very specific properties. Termitaria were characterized by higher clay, phosphorus and electrical conductivity than the surrounding soil. However, their effect on carbon dynamics was limited to a modification of the interactions between soil organic matter and minerals and to the presence of carbonates. At the same time, lenticular mounds appeared as patches of nutrients in paddy fields because they were always enriched in carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in comparison with the surrounding cultivated soil. Lenticular mounds were also enriched in clay, although this effect was only measured when the sand content in the surrounding environment was >60%. Together with these changes, lenticular mounds were characterized by a lower bulk density, higher saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), and higher water holding capacity. In conclusion, this study shows that termite constructions can be considered fertility and biogeochemical hotspots in paddy fields, thus explaining their use by farmers for improving the fertility of their lands. •Termites can build two mound types in Cambodian paddy fields: lenticular and nests.•Termite mounds can be seen as nutrient patches in Cambodian paddy fields.•Termites improved soil physical and chemical properties in comparison with surrounding soil.•Increase in soil pH is partly explained by the presence of carbonates in termite mounds.