The physical and chemical composition of mounds of Macrotermes carbonarius (Hagen) (Termitidae, Macrotermitinae), in Penang, Malaysia

The mound of the fungus‐growing termite Macrotermes carbonarius (Hagen) contained significantly larger proportions of clay (P<0.05) than the adjacent soil. The largest clay content was found in the brood chamber. Concentrations of organic carbon, nitrogen, potassium and calcium in various parts of the mound were enriched compared to the adjacent soil at 10–40 cm depth from which they might have been derived. The activities of M. carbonarius did not significantly alter the pH or the bulk density of the mound soil compared to the adjacent topsoil.