COMPARING THE CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF TERMITE MOUND SOILS AND SURROUNDING SOILS IN UPLAND AND FADAMA IN SOME LOCATIONS IN KEBBI STATE

Abstract

The Study was conducted to determine the distribution of termite (Macrotermes bellicosus) mound and their physical characteristics, in some Local Governments of Kebbi State. Four Local Government Areas of Kebbi State namely; Danko/Wasagu, Bagudo, Shanga and Augie were selected for the study. Termite mounds were surveyed in three categories according to their sizes; 0-1.49m, 1.50-2.49m, 2.50m and above respectively, in the study area. Three plots were selected in both dry and wet land; measuring 500/20m/sq. Population of termites were estimated by counting individual termites per mound after excavation and extraction. M. bellicosus abundance varies (P˂0.05) significantly based on land type, while physical characteristics such as; height, basal circumference, were measured with measuring tape and distance between neighboring mounds werealso measured with a tape and shapes of mounds were observed. The abundance of termites was observed to be significantly (P˂0.05) higher in Wasagu with mean average of 10,447.5 and mound size was observed to differ significantly (P<0.05). But location showed no significant (P>0.05) difference. Land type differed significantly (P<0.05) in all locations. Physical characteristics of mounds such as; height, basal circumference differed (P<0.05) significantly in all locations. Termite (M. bellicosus) species are abundant across the study area in the state.