Physicochemical properties and biochemical activities of Termitaria soil of Odontotermes spp. and surrounding soil in Sambalpur district, Odisha, India

Abstract

Background: Termitaria of Odontotermes spp. are complex biological habitats that originated by the termite activity and have unusual physicochemical and biochemical characteristics. A research gap is realized in works associated with Termitaria soil characterization, particularly in Eastern India. Therefore, the present work was carried out to compare the enzyme activities and physicochemical properties of Termitaria soil and the surrounding soil collected from Sambalpur University Campus, Odisha, India. Methods: Field and laboratory Study was carried out during 2019. The enzyme activities like cellulase, Xylanase, amylase and phosphatase and different physicochemical properties of soils were studied following standard laboratory protocol. Result: All the enzyme activities were found to be significantly high in Termitaria soil than in adjacent soil. The enzyme activities showed a significant correlation with most of the physicochemical properties. This particular study has provided important information regarding the contribution of Termitaria soil as the best possible way of managing unfertile soil.