Number of the records: 1
The effect of ants on soil properties and processes (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
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SYSNO ASEP 0312107 Document Type J - Journal Article R&D Document Type Journal Article Subsidiary J Ostatní články Title The effect of ants on soil properties and processes (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Title Vliv mravenců na půdní vlastnosti a procesy (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Author(s) Frouz, Jan (BC-A) RID, ORCID
Jílková, Veronika (BC-A) RID, ORCIDSource Title Myrmecological News. - : Österreichische Gesellschaft für Entomofaunistik - ISSN 1994-4136
Roč. 11, - (2008), s. 191-199Number of pages 9 s. Language eng - English Country AT - Austria Keywords ants ; soil ; nutrient cycling Subject RIV EH - Ecology, Behaviour CEZ AV0Z60660521 - UPB-H, BC-A (2005-2011) AV0Z6066911 - UPB-H, BC-A Annotation Ants are ecosystem engineers, greatly affecting physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil. The effects on physical soil properties are connected with the building of corridors and galleries, which increase soil porosity and may cause separation of soil particles according to their size. Ant-mediated chemical changes of soil are represented mainly by a shift of pH towards neutral and an increase in nutrient content (mostly nitrogen and phosphorus) in ant nest-affected soil. These effects correspond with accumulation of food in the nests and the effect on biological processes, such as acceleration of decomposition rate. Effects on biological soil properties may be connected with increased or decreased microbial activity, which is affected by accumulation of organic matter and internal nest temperature and especially moisture. Effects on the soil vary between ant species; substantial variation can be found in the same species living in different conditions. Workplace Biology Centre (since 2006) Contact Dana Hypšová, eje@eje.cz, Tel.: 387 775 214 Year of Publishing 2009
Number of the records: 1