EFFECT OF TERMITE MOUND AND CULTIVATED LAND USE FORM ON SOIL FERTILITY IN KANO STATE POLYTECHNIC RESEARCH FARM, KANO STATE.
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study investigates the effect of termite mounds and cultivated land use on soil fertility at the Kano state Polytechnic Research Farm in Kano State, Nigeria. The objectives were to assess the influence of termite mound soils on soil chemical and physical properties, compare these properties with those of adjacent cultivated soils, and evaluate their potential for sustainable soil fertility enhancement in the Sudan Savannah ecological zone.. Soil samples were collected using a grid sampling method at depths of 0–30 cm from termite mounds and surrounding cultivated soils. Laboratory analyses were conducted to determine soil pH, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, CEC, and texture. Descriptive statistics were used to interpret the results. The findings revealed that termite mound soils exhibited higher levels of organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and CEC compared to adjacent cultivated soils. The pH of termite mound soils was neutral to slightly alkaline, enhancing nutrient availability and buffering acidic conditions. Termite mound soils also demonstrated improved texture, higher porosity, and lower bulk density, which collectively support water retention and root penetration. Cultivated soils showed significant nutrient enrichment due to organic amendments and farming practices but lacked the consistent nutrient redistribution associated with termite activity. These results underscore the potential of termite mounds as natural nutrient reservoirs and sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilizers. By leveraging termite mound soils, farmers in resource-limited settings can reduce reliance on synthetic inputs, enhance soil fertility, and improve crop productivity. This study highlights the importance of integrating biological soil management practices with modern agricultural techniques for sustainable land use. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term impacts of termite mound utilization on soil fertility and crop performance.
Keywords: termite mounds, cultivated soils, soil fertility, Sudan Savannah, sustainable agriculture, nutrient cycling, and soil managem
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