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Leaf‐Cutter Ant (Atta cephalotes) Influence on the Morphology of Andepts in Costa Rica
Author(s) -
Alvarado Alfredo,
Berish Cory W.,
Peralta Francisco
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1981.03615995004500040023x
Subject(s) - subsoil , horizon , soil horizon , geology , overburden , bioturbation , environmental science , soil science , soil water , geomorphology , mining engineering , mathematics , geometry , sediment
Twenty‐seven soil profiles distributed within a 2.5‐ha site were described as Typic Dystrandepts of the Colorado soil series. Leaf‐cutter ant influence was noted in 85% of the pedons. The influence on each profile was estimated, and out of all profiles, 37% had low, 26% medium, and 22% high disturbance. The surface area covered by leaf‐cutter mounds was 38.9% of the study area; only 1% of the aboveground disturbed area was active, however. Leaf‐cutter ants transport material from the AB and B horizons to the soil surface, producing a new A1 horizon and, in addition, some subsoil chambers are filled with plant material. It is proposed to use a subindex ( i ) to denote insect influence as an agent on the formation of a subsoil horizon (ABi, B2i) and also, for the overburden (Ai).