Interaction of soil characteristics with subterranean termite diversity in pine and rosewood stands in Alas Bromo, Central Java, Indonesia

¹ Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Jebres 57126, Surakarta, Indonesia
² Bachelor of Soil Science Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Jebres 57126, Surakarta, Indonesia
³ Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 8, Jakarta Pusat, 10340, Indonesia
⁴ Department of Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering, Faculty of Food Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Bulaksumur, 55281, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: dp_ariyanto@staff.uns.ac.id

Abstract

The diversity of subterranean termites in forest ecosystems plays an important role as eco-engineers, contributing to the decomposition of organic matter and providing benefits to the forest ecosystem. Termite diversity is influenced by stand type and soil physical conditions, such as soil moisture content, soil bulk density, and availability of soil organic matter. This study aims to determine the relationship between subterranean termite diversity and the physical properties of pine and rosewood stands of the same age in Alas Bromo. This study uses a quantitative descriptive approach with survey and exploratory methods. Termite sampling was carried out using Modified Standard Transect, while soil samples were taken for analysis of soil physical properties. The results showed that in pine stands, 4 genera of termites were found (Microtermes, Macrotermes, Odontotermes, and Schedorhinotermes), while in rosewood stands, 3 genera were found (Microtermes, Macrotermes, and Odontotermes). The Shannon-Wiener index showed moderate diversity in pine (H'=1.00) and low in rosewood (H'=0.70). Correlation analysis showed that soil moisture content, bulk density, aggregate stability, water holding capacity, and organic matter were significantly correlated with the presence of termites in both stands.