Influences of Termite Activities on Ecosystem Carbon Cycle: Focusing on Coarse Woody Debris Decomposition
2016
Kim, S., Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea | Lee, J., Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea | Han, S.H., Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea | Chang, H., Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea | Lee, S., Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea | Yun, H.M., Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea | Son, Y., Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Globally, there are more than 2600 species of termites which adapted plenty of terrestrial ecosystems by various strategies such as making termite nest and society. Various studies were recently carried out on termites because they play significant roles in the context of carbon (C) cycle of terrestrial ecosystems. According to the results of previous studies, termite activities influenced the amount of soil organic C, methane emission, and organic matter decomposition. Termite nests, where termite biomass was concentrated, exhibited 1.8 times higher soil organic C concentration than reference soils, and emitted 0.0-6.0 kg ha−¹ year−¹of methane in tropical forests and savannas. Feeding activity of termites, in addition, accelerated coarse woody debris (CWD) decomposition by increasing the surface area to volume ratio of CWD. Especially, CWD decomposition induced by the Rhinotermitidae family appeared to be significant for the C cycle in temperate forests. However, more studies should be conducted on termite-induced CWD decomposition in temperate forests because few studies have dealt with it. The termite-induced CWD decomposition could be measured by preparing disc-shaped CWD samples, excluding access of termites to the CWD samples, and comparing the decomposition rate of the CWD samples with and without the termite exclusion treatment. Studies on the termite-induced CWD decomposition would contribute to further elucidation of the C cycle in temperate forests.
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