De grão em grão, as formigas transformam o chão: uma revisão global sobre o papel das formigas nas propriedades químicas, físicas e biológicas do solo

Abstract

Ants have a crucial role in ecosystems through bioturbation, and such activities exert both direct and indirect impacts on the environment. Despite their ecological importance, a comprehensive global synthesis is still lacking, particularly one that elucidates the effects of these activities on soil properties, identifies the most consistent patterns across studies, and highlights existing research gaps. In this context, the present study compiles and analyzes information available in the scientific literature regarding the effects of ants on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils, emphasizing their function as ecosystem engineers, based on a review of studies published between 1945 and 2024. Most investigations employed field and laboratory sampling methods, with a predominant focus on tropical, subtropical, temperate, and boreal forests, as well as pasturelands. Soil moisture, pH, nitrogen content, plant biomass, and microbial biomass emerged as the main parameters assessed. We identified important gaps related to ant–plant interactions, such as whether species were native or exotic to the study areas, in addition to limitations in the description of environmental variables and methodologies, which constrain cross-study comparability. The genera Formica, Atta, and Messor were consistently reported across all databases consulted. Numerous studies found positive influences of ant activities on soil, reinforcing their ecological significance. We suggest that there should be greater standardization of methodologies, for example in the sampling method or in the depths of the samples, as well as in a clearer description of the methods, so that future research can deepen the understanding of these interactions.