Abstract:
Changes in carbon and nitrogen cycles in tropical soils affect soil functioning and ecosystem activity.
Termites play important roles in carbon and nitrogen cycles, thus determination of levels of such
compounds is essential. This study was aimed at determining the levels of various forms of nitrogen,
carbon and pH in the guts, soil and nest materials associated with Odontotermes and Macrotermes
termite species. Macro- and micro-elements such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc,
manganese, iron and copper were also evaluated. The standard soil analyses and concentrations of
various forms of nitrogen, carbon and pH in the samples were performed using calometric and Bremmer’s
methods. Results showed the texture grade of the soils ranged between sandy clay loamy to loamy sand
across the samples. The clay content for most mounds was comparably higher than in the surrounding
soil. Most of the concentrations of ammonia, nitrate and total organic carbon between the termites and
within the gut sections were significantly different (p < 0.05). This was observed between and within the
termite mounds. Levels of ammonia (3.00 – 6.00 ppm) and nitrate (6.00 - 11.50 ppm) were highest in the
hindguts of all termites analyzed than the respective foreguts and midguts sections. Notably, levels of
ammonia (6.00 – 14.50 ppm), nitrate (16.00 – 83.00 ppm) and organic carbon (31.00 – 37.00 %) were
highest in the fungus comb samples. Likewise, levels of all macro- and micro-elements investigated were
highest in the fungus combs. Manganese had the highest concentration (20.28 ppms) while copper had
the least concentration (0.11ppms).
