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Termites and Sustainable Management pp 181–199Cite as

Termite Preferences for Foraging Sites

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Part of the book series: Sustainability in Plant and Crop Protection ((SUPP))

Abstract

Termite interaction with soil and its manipulation create spatial variability via the nests and other structures they build using mainly finer materials from surrounding soils. Their preference for particular nesting and foraging conditions profoundly affects the physical as well as microbial properties of soils. Their activities to transport soil and water as well as establish and maintain symbiotic relationship with some microorganisms create suitable nesting and foraging places. They also create fertile area in an otherwise barren landscape. More knowledge on their interaction with soil and preferential foraging might help in understanding the conditions under which they are spreading beyond their usual climatic zones. Their potential for improving poor soil conditions into productive ones is also immense. This chapter details termite soil interaction and their preference for foraging sites in different environmental conditions.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by a partial grant from the Department of Forestry and Ecosystem Sciences, University of Melbourne.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Forest and Ecosystem Science, The University of Melbourne, Richmond, VIC, Australia

    Ibrahim G. Ali & Berhan M. (Shiday) Ahmed

  2. Department of Forest and Ecosystem Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia

    Gary Sheridan

  3. Faculty of Science, Health and Education, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia

    John R. J. French

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Correspondence to Ibrahim G. Ali .

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  1. Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia

    Md. Aslam Khan

  2. Department of Zoology, Section of Nematology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India

    Wasim Ahmad

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Ali, I.G., Ahmed, B.M.(., Sheridan, G., French, J.R.J. (2018). Termite Preferences for Foraging Sites. In: Khan, M., Ahmad, W. (eds) Termites and Sustainable Management. Sustainability in Plant and Crop Protection. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-72110-1_9

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