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Termitarium Soil as a Viable Source of Biofertilizer, Compost Fortification and Biocontrol

In order to control plant pests and improve soil fertility and raise food production to fulfill the growing demand for food globally, the rapid increase in population has led to a severe increase in the usage of pesticides and artificial fertilizers. The use of pesticides and inorganic fertilizers has increased dramatically, which has had a negative impact on the ecosystem and human health by destroying the food chain (owing to eutrophication), polluting the air and contaminating groundwater. Given these harmful effects of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, using environmentally friendly techniques, such as applying biofertilizers, has become more popular. The special substrate found in termite mounds, known as termitarium soil, presents a viable option for environmentally friendly farming methods. Termitarium soil exhibits the capacity to solubilize phosphate and potassium, create indole acetic acid, and control plant soil pathogens. Termite mound soil contains useful bacteria that are capable of decomposing lignin and cellulose, fixing nitrogen, solubilizing phosphate, and suppressing plant soil pathogens. Termite mound soil makes a useful bulking material for composting because of its greater cation capacity, organic carbon and nitrogen concentration, water-holding capacity, and clay content. These have put them in a position to function as biofertilizers and biocontrol.