Economic Importance ofTermites on Selected Timber Products and Role in Soil Nutrient Enrichment:- Olugu, Chukwuemeka E

ABSTRACT

This study examined the economic importance of termites on some timber products and roles in soil quality. This study was carried out in Ikwuano L.G.A using complete randomized design. The samples were obtained in 5 locations divided into infested and non-infested sites. Data for analysis were collected primarily in the field from five random communities in Ikwuano. The result in the study found out that greater proportions ofthe respondents (70%) were males, farmers in the study area were mostly middle aged that were within the active productive work force; majority (31.25%) of the respondents were married. Organic matter content of the soil was higher at Umudike infested soil at (1.16-4:0.13) and was significant across all non-termite infested sites and was very low according to the FAO standard (<2.0) Calcium content was highest at Ndioru infected soil at (5.80±0.28) and was not significant across all non-infested termite site, according to FAO standard, Calcium was moderate in Amaba and low in all other non-infested sites, the Potassium content ofthe soil was higher at Amawom at (0.63±0.71) and was not significant across all non-infested termite site, according to FAO standard (<2.2) Potassium is very low in the soil And thus concluded that the role and the need for the fundamental control oftermite is emphasized, however the control methods should be employed to bring their activities to a manageable level, rather than totally exterminating them. Therefore, the existing insecticide should be used correctly to minimize damages done by termites, Economical trees like Bamboo that don’t cost farmers much should also be used often.