Termite Mound Soil: A Potential Source of Biofertilizer in Koraput, Odisha

Year : 2025 | Volume : 14 | Issue : 03 | Page : 40 47
    By

    Ashutosh Maharana,

  • Sushil Kumar Garnayak,

  1. Student, Department of Zoology, Government College, Koraput,, Odisha, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, Government College, Koraput, Odisha, India

Abstract

Mass use of chemical fertilizers and extensive agriculture has reduced soil’s physiochemical properties and nutrient profile, generating crops with higher chemical residues, resulting unhealthy human population. Sustainable and cost effective nature friendly alternative methods of agriculture are the present need, to overcome the crisis. The study with Termite Mound Soil, TMS, in Koraput district of Odisha, India was performed to find nutrient composition and its potential as an ecofriendly, sustainable biofertilizer. For soil analysis samples were collected from the top, middle and bottom layers of the mound and for comparison surrounding soil were collected from 1m and 10m distance from mound. The termite mound soil samples showed presence of high organic content and rich macronutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) concentrations, with varying pH values ranging from ~3.7 to ~6.4. The unique properties of TMS can contribute towards better plant growth and development as it possess great physiochemical properties with advanced soil structure, higher water retaining capacity, high organic matter, nutrient deposition, microbial influence and enhanced aeration . Soil nutrient composition and pH values vary from top to bottom within termitarium, which directs further studies regarding its effective use as biofertilizer for cultivation of different crops. The findings conclude TMS has significantly higher nutrient composition and good physiochemical properties from the surrounding ground soil indicating its potential as biofertilizer. The cause for occurrence of pervasive number of termite mounds in Koraput district may further be investigated which will pave the way for its effective use as an alternative to chemical fertilizers.

Keywords: Termite Mound Soil (TMS), Biofertilizer, Macronutrients, Phosphorus

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews : Journal of Crop science and Technology ]

How to cite this article:
Ashutosh Maharana, Sushil Kumar Garnayak. Termite Mound Soil: A Potential Source of Biofertilizer in Koraput, Odisha. Research and Reviews : Journal of Crop science and Technology. 2025; 14(03):40-47.
How to cite this URL:
Ashutosh Maharana, Sushil Kumar Garnayak. Termite Mound Soil: A Potential Source of Biofertilizer in Koraput, Odisha. Research and Reviews : Journal of Crop science and Technology. 2025; 14(03):40-47. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjocst/article=2025/view=230676


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
Issue 03
Received 31/05/2025
Accepted 25/07/2025
Published 07/11/2025
Publication Time 160 Days
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