The potential of termite activity to enhance soil organic carbon and nutrient content in Alas Bromo, Karanganyar

Termites are increasingly recognized as key ecosystem engineers with critical roles in regulating soil processes and nutrient cycling, particularly in tropical forest ecosystems. This study investigates the functional role of termite activity in influencing soil organic carbon (SOC) and essential macronutrients (N, P, K) under different vegetation stands within the Alas Bromo Educational Forest, Central Java, Indonesia. Employing a wood stake baiting method within PVC tubes, termite activity was quantified and classified into five damage classes. Sampling was conducted during both dry and rainy seasons across pine and mahogany stands of various ages, with subsequent analysis of soil samples for SOC, total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), and soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC). Findings revealed significant seasonal and stand-type variation in termite diversity and activity, with higher termite abundance and diversity observed during the dry season, particularly in pine stands, which also exhibited higher palatability. Increased termite activity, as reflected by higher stake damage classes, was strongly associated with elevated levels of SOC, TN, TP, TK, and SMBC. Pearson correlation analysis confirmed positive and significant correlation between termite activity and each of the soil parameters studied, with the strongest correlation observed between termite activity and TN (r = 0.771) and SMBC (r = 0.487). These findings highlight the biological contributions of termites to soil fertility, mediated through mechanisms such as organic matter decomposition, bioturbation, and nutrient mineralization facilitated by symbiotic gut microbiota. The results demonstrate that termite activity not only enhances SOC content through stoichiometric shifts but also promotes nutrient accumulation, particularly under conditions of high wood consumption. Furthermore, the microbial biomass carbon content was significantly higher in areas with active termite presence, indicating synergistic effects between macrofauna and microbial communities in regulating soil carbon dynamics. This study underscores the ecological significance of termites in sustainable forest management and their potential utilization as bioindicators of soil health.

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