IMPACT OF IMPORTED FIRE ANTS ON THE TEXTURE AND FERTILITY OF MISSISSIPPI SOILS

Impacts of the imported fire ants (Solenopsis Spp.) on the pH, clay co ntent, organic matter, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), calc ium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) concentrations of nine soil series from f ive soil orders in Mississippi were studied. Mounds were typically hig her in clay, P, and K, and lower in organic matter and S than the adja cent soils. Replicated studies on an Ultisol and an Alfisol confirmed the significance (proportional to=0.05) of these effects in most cases . Effects on Ca were strongly dependent on the characteristics of the initial soil. As the ants relocate their mounds, these effects may be transmitted to entire soil landscapes through time.