Effects of tillage and stubble residue treatments on termite activity in two central Queensland vertosols

Abstract

The effects of tillage and stubble residue management practices on the activity and composition of the termite fauna of some central Queensland Vertosols has been examined, using a combination of spade sampling, baiting and deep coring techniques. Uncultivated Vertisols , previously thought to be devoid of termites, are now known to support at least five species of subterranean termites. They are Amitermes obtusidens Mjoberg, A. agrilus Gay, Microcerotermes serratus (Froggatt), Heterotermes paradoxus (Froggatt) and Termes sp. Clearing and cultivation for dryland cropping virtually eliminated termites from these soils. The adoption of zero till and stubble retention practices however, resulted in the re-appearance of subterranean termites. The implications of increased termite activity in cropping soils are also discussed.