Genesis and Classification of Termite-Mediated Soils along Toposequences in a Semiarid Area of Southeast Ethiopia

Despite the ecosystem functioning they provide, termite pedoturbation along toposequence is overlooked in genesis of semiarid soils. Therefore, we aimed to describe morphological and physicochemical properties that lead classification termite-mediated In this study, representative pedons, one on each slope class, were described classified for five different topographical positions, soil genetic horizons compared those obtained from respective mounds. The result showed soils heavily manipulated by termites except pedon at toe slope. Cambisols formed summit back resulted slow pedogenic processes. Luvisols redoximorphic features, gleization clay synthesis soil, while upward movement coarse particles enhanced textural differentiation. foot are partial destruction iron-bearing minerals accompanied eluviation-illuviation Accumulation calcium carbonate following calcification Calcisols bottom Comparing mounds reference much mound’s mined subsoil, usually B horizons. However, their influence depended mainly topography. Moreover, studied pedons exhibited various degrees variation topography clearly topographic effects. conclusion, can be a potent mediator across toposequences, activities should considered management A further retrospective examination micromorphological evidence recommended support finding.