Effect of Compost Application Level on Seedling Growth of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer

Good quality seedlings produced in the seedbed of Yangjik, traditional seedling cultivation, is one of the most important factors in determining the yield and quality of $4{\sim}6-year-old$ ginseng. This study was carried out to substitute Yacto, traditional organic fertilizer, for economical compost in the cultivation of seedling by fertilizing relatively little amount of compost into seedbed soil. Bulk density and solid phase were decreased in physical properties of seedbed soil, while air phase and porosity were increased by more addition of compost. When the amount of applied compost in seedbed soil was above $8{\ell}$ per Kan, the contents of nutrient were exceeded the range of optimal standard for ginseng cultivation. Chlorophyll content and stem length were increased by more addition of compost, while the length and the width of leaves showed the highest value at the application level of $8{\ell}$ per Kan. Heat injury was also increased distinctly above the application level of $8{\ell}$ per Kan. The number of first grade seedlings and usable seedlings, and fresh root weight per plant showed the peak at application level of $8{\ell}$ per Kan, respectively. Fertilizing the compost of $8{\ell}$ per Kan into seedbed soil was the optimal amount for producing the good quality seedlings.