Abstract

This study investigated the comparative physical and chemical properties of termite-mediated soils, including mounds (M) and termite raft soil on living (LPs) and dead plants (DPs) with adjacent soils (Adj) and their impacts on the agricultural productivity of Raphanus sativus L., in the Central Punjab plains of Pakistan. All soil samples (n = 28) were taken at depths of 0–15 cm except the mud rafter, which was collected from the infested tree trunk and subjected to the soil laboratory. Results of soil texture analysis indicated that the termite raft soil sample from living plants had a higher clay content (33%), while the mound soil had a higher silt content (27.6%) than the adjacent soils (26.6%). Porosity, available water content (AWC), and field capacity significantly (P < 0.05) varied in Termite rafters > mound > and adjacent soils, while the bulk density and the wilting point were similar in all soil samples. Field experiments revealed significantly (P < 0.05) better growth of R. sativus in termite-mediated soils, with LP-treated plants achieving 65 cm height, 335 flowers plant−1, and 26.6 cm root length, flower diameter 5.01 cm, and length of pod 18.32 cm. Key findings include higher AP (17.39 mg.kg-1) in calcic horizons and increased porosity (46%) and organic carbon (0.816%) in specific fertile profiles. These insights would be valuable for omics-based growth experiments and for improving the high-yield performance of different crops through termite activity in the soil, with implications for horticulture and innovative agricultural practices.