A meta-analysis of leaf-cutting ant nest effects on soil fertility and plant performance

FARJI-BRENER, AG; WERENKRAUT, VICTORIA

ECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY

WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2015 vol. 40 p. 150 - 158

0307-6946

1. Leaf-cutting ants (LCAs) are considered as one of the most importantagents of soil disturbances that affect vegetation patterns, but these assertions are basedon isolated studies or anecdotal data. In this study,meta-analysis techniques were used toquantitatively analyse the generality of these effects and determine some of their sourcesof variation.2. The results reveal the following: (i) LCA nest sites showed higher levels of soilfertility than control sites, but the key source of these nutrients is the refuse materialrather than the nest soil itself; (ii) refuse material from external piles tended to bericher in nutrient content than refuse material from internal refuse chambers; (iii)nest sites from temperate habitats showed higher cation content than those located intropical/subtropical habitats; and (iv) nest sites showed higher plant growth than adjacentnon-nest sites (especially if plants have access to the refuse) but similar plant density andplant richness.3. As LCAs improve nutrient availability in nest sites through the accumulation ofrefuse material, the location of the refuse will have a relevant role affecting vegetation.LCA species with external refuse dumps could benefit herbs, early vegetation stagesand short-living plants, whereas those with internal refuse chambers could benefitlong-living, large trees. However, the positive effect on individual plants does not extendto population and community levels. The foraging preferences of ants and the changesin microclimatic conditions around nests could act as selective ecological filters.4. As refuse material from external piles and nest sites in temperate habitats tend toshow higher fertility than refuse material from internal nest chambers and nest sitesin tropical/subtropical habitats, LCA species with external refuse dumps in temperateregions could be of particular relevance for nutrient cycling and vegetation patterns.