Life in the Soil - Soil: Reflections on the Basis of our Existence - page 74

Perfect temperature. Termites are masters at building cathedral-like mounds with advanced venti-
lation systems—a necessity in the hot African savannah and Australian bush. Some termites cul-
tivate fungi on organic material that they bring home and store in underground passages. Fungal
cultivation fails in excessive heat so warm air is vented through chimney-like channels that open
out at the top of the mound
as earthworms do elsewhere. The compost enriches the soil and patches of lush
vegetation can often be seen growing in and around abandoned termite mounds.
Termites and Their Cultural Legacy
In Australia, an Aboriginal musical instrument, the didgeridoo, is a eucalyptus log
hollowed by termites. When blown, the didgeridoo emits a deep vibrating tone that
varies in timbre according to the position of the mouth. It is also ideal for imitat-
ing animal calls. My interest in the didgeridoo was aroused on a visit to Kakadu
National Park in Australia's Northern Territory. Eucalyptus trees stood in sparse
groves wherever you looked, and if you tapped on the trees they sounded hollow
(many would doubtless have made perfect didgeridoos). Termite mounds the height
of a fully grown human stood scattered between the trees—creations of densely
packed red earth mixed with undigested residues from termite faeces. Nothing grew