Impact of Termite Activities on Soil pH and Farmers’ Perception of Soil Acidity and Amendment Practices in Gidami District, Western Ethiopia

Western Ethiopia has been invaded by termites, and their activities have resulted in noticeable physicochemical changes. In order to assess the pH of termite mound soil (TMS) in Gidami district, western Ethiopia, the study was carried out on a one-hectare area of 100 m × 100 m in three replications that covered farm, pasture, and forest land uses. For soil sample, three live termite mounds were chosen at random from each land use group. Soil samples were collected from 20–60 cm depth at the center of each mound, while control soil samples were taken 8 m away from each mound in adjacent areas free of mound effects. From each mound and control site, 0.5 kg soil samples were collected, labeled, and taken to Oromia Research Institutions of Nekemte Soil Laboratory for pH analysis. Soil pH was measured in 1:2.5 soil-to-water suspensions using a digital pH meter. From 28 peasant associations (PAs) in the district, Alchea Jilo PA was purposely selected due to the presence of all three land use types and abundant termite mounds. To assess farmers’ perceptions and soil acidity management practices, 259 households were interviewed. Data were analyzed using SPSS, and paired sample t-tests determined differences between TMS and control soils. Results showed that TMS had higher pH than control soils across all land use types, indicating that termite activity reduces soil acidity. About 31% of farmers recognized soil acidity on their land, attributing it to high rainfall, leaching, fertilizer use, and continuous cultivation. With the exception of termites' detrimental effects on agricultural output, none of the farmers reported utilizing TMS as a soil amendment, despite the widespread use of liming, organic fertilizers, and crop rotation. Significantly, soil research highlights the potential application of termite mound soils as a natural means of enhancing soil fertility and pH levels; nevertheless, the TMS in agricultural production have to be investigated in the region.