Interactions between biogenetic and morphogenetic forces on slopes: termite mounds and murundus

termiteros e murundus

Abstract

The evolution and dynamics of slopes are essentially investigated from the intrinsic morphogenetic and pedogenetic perspectives. This article proposes an additional focus on the operative biogenetic aspects, seeking to discuss dialogically the biotic and erosive influences on the generation of microreliefs (murundus and termite mounds). To this end, morphometric, biological, and pedological aspects of these morphologies were addressed, aiming to investigate their genesis, evolution, and morphometric aspects. Results obtained in two latosolic catenas in the municipality of Carrancas, Minas Gerais, are presented in an area of ​​cerrado strictu sensu and campo cerrado. The results demonstrated overlapping cycles of vertical uplift caused by invertebrates (primarily termites) combined with differential erosion in the catena under cerrado strictu sensu, and essentially biogenic evidence in the catena over campo cerrado. In both cases, greater soil aggregation and a significantly higher concentration of nutrients and organic matter were observed in the murundus, suggesting a role for endopedonic organisms in nutrient cycling. Furthermore, it was found that bioturbation processes engender irregularities on slopes through cycles of uplift, occupation, and abandonment, interfering with morphological aspects and erosional and depositional organization.