Organic matter in termite mounds of an Amazonian rain forest.

This study investigates how termites alter the organic matter in rain forests near Manaus, Brazil. Samples were collected from the outer and inner parts of typical termite nests of Nasutitermes, Termes, Embiratermes, Cornitermes, Anoplotermes, and Constrictotermes genera, as well as from the surrounding topsoil (0cm-10cm) and potential wooden food. The termite nests were signficant sinks for organic matter and its associated nutrients. The organic C contents ranged between 100g kg-1 and 500g kg-1 in the nests, compared to 17g kg-1 to 42g kg-1 in the surrounding topsoils. As lignin contents of the mounds were higher than in wood, lignin may be accumulated in preference to other organic compounds. This findings also sugests that the interior part of the nests is a region of higher organic matter turnover and lignin degradation

Litter production, litter stocks and decomposition coefficients in a central Amazonian rain forest, a secondary forest and agroforestry systems.

Fine litter fall and stocks were determined from July 1997 to March 1999 in an area of primary rain forest (FLO), a 13-year old secondary forest (SEC), and two polyculture systems (agroforestry; POA and POC) in central Amazonia Brazil.Final Report 1996-1999

Microclimate 1997-1999 in primary forest, secondary forest and agroforestry systems in central Amazonia.

Rainfall, average maximum and minimum air temperature, and relative air humidity as measured at the Embrapa weather station all show that 1997 was a strong El Nino (ENSO) year.bitstream/item/181106/1/ID-5199-34-49.pdfFinal Report 1996-1999

Soil termites in a rainforest, a secondary forest and mixed-culture plantation sites in central Amazonia.

Soil termites have been studied in detail in a rain forest, a secondary forest and two agroforestry plantation sites at the Embrapa Amazonia Ocidental, Manaus-AM (Brasil), using soil (0 cm-5 cm) and litter samples taken at random within the study sites, using a soilsampler of 21 cm diameter. As results is presented a list of termite genus diversity, then compare termite biomass and individuals numbers in litter and in soil at the different sites, and discuss possible factors that determine termite distribution in the field

Structure and function of soil fauna communities in Amazonian anthropogenic and natural ecosystems.

The aim of our study was to judge the soil biological conditions in the plantations with regard to the aspired sustainability of agricultural and forestry systems

A quantitative model of the role of soil fauna in decomposition as affected by different forested cropping systems in central Amazonia.

The basic idea this study was the improvement of the traditional fallow system with slash burning for land preparation and differs in this respect from attenpts to develop completely new land-use systems, in the Manaus-AM (Brasil)

Richness of termite genera in a semi-arid region (Sertão) in NE Brazil (Isoptera)

The genus richness of the termite fauna of a semiarid area (caatinga) in Northeastern Brazil was investigated in the dry season of 1996 and the rainy season of 1998. Eight genera belonging to three termite families (Termitidae, Rhinotermitidae and Kalotermitidae) were found in assessments of termite nests and mounds, investigation of dead wood, and cardboard baits buried 10 cm deep in the soil. The nestbuilder guild was represented by only three genera: Nasutitermes, Constrictotermes and Microcerotermes. Their density (about 1-3 nests ha-1) was very low. In mounds of Constrictotermes, the genus Inquilinitermes is almost invariably found as an inquiline. During the dry season of 1996, wood-inhabiting Kalotermitidae (Neotermes sp.) were abundant in dead branches still attached to the trees. In dead wood on the ground we recorded Heterotermes of the Rhinotermitidae, and Amitermes and Termes of the Termitidae. A relatively high activity of Heterotermes on the baits was recorded within 3 months of exposure. Thus, this site is characterized by a very low genus diversity of termites; nest builders are rare, but soil- and wood-dwelling species are highly active in spite of the adverse conditions (drought) which reign during the larger part of the year

Management of leguminous cover crops to improve soil fertility in central Amazonia.

Experimental estudies have been initiated in cropping systems near Manaus-AM (Brasil), to evaluate the effect of legume (Tephrosia candida, Flemingia congesta, Pueraria phaseoloides) mulch for recovery of soil fertility in a mixed plantation of coconut and cupuacu perennial trees