Termite assemblages in the banana agroforestry systems of Kiboga District, Central Uganda

Abstract

Agroforestry could be a low cost and environmentally-friendly entry point for addressing declining soil fertility problem in banana cropping systems of Uganda. Trees recycle nutrients from deep soil layers through leaf litter-fall and then, decomposition. Agroforestry systems are known to influence termites, the most important decomposers in tropics. A study was therefore conducted in the banana agroforestry systems of Kiboga district, central Uganda to assess the influence of tree species, seasons, intensity of tree pruning and microhabitat on termite assemblages. Termite assemblage encountered was species-poor, with only 13 species, dominated by genus Macrotermes (23%) and sub-family Macrotermitinae (69%). Overall, 359 termites encounters were observed, with Pseudo canthotermes militaris being the most abundant species (99 encounters). Only relative abundance of termites varied significantly (p≤0.05) among tree species, seasons, pruning regimes and microhabitats. Highest encounters were observed underneath Ficus natalensis canopy (0.4), in part due to its thick canopy that provides cool microenvironment that promotes survival of termites. Additionally, the dry season and pruning increase availability of food resources (litter/woody material) for the Macrotermitinae termites. In conclusion, F. natalensis pruned at 50% proved to be the best-bet banana- agroforestry system for conserving and promoting termite assemblages.