• Journal of the Korean association of regional geographers
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.233-246
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• 2005

This paper aims to explore the innovation milieu of red-pepper agro-industry in Bonghwa County, in the northern part of Gyeongbuk Province, and suggest policy recommendations for bringing up local agro-industry from a cluster perspective. It turns out that the capabilities of Bonghwa red-pepper agro-industry to innovate are remarkably weak let alone soft infrastructures such as learning networks between innovation agents and social capital. In this sense Bonghwa red-pepper agro-industry can be viewed as an agricultural area simply specialized in production sector rather than a kind of agro-industry cluster. For moving up Bonghwa red pepper industry into an innovative cluster, the paper suggests that the policy makers need to focus on cultivating local learning communities, building a region-wide incorporated brand, promoting the local agricultural technology centre as a network hub of cluster and fostering the functional links between universities and local innovation agents, covering farmers, agricultural organizations, agro-food producers and the local government.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.65-75
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• 2017

Agricultural sector in Korea faces the threat of aging farmers and many other difficulties. Because agriculture is a very less-competitive industry in Korea and many solutions to improve the competitiveness of Korean agriculture should be studied. The advent of Internet of things(IoT) technology makes possible many new industries and business models in the current society. The adoption of this new technology in agriculture can bring about innovations in agricultural production and distribution as $6^{th}$ industry. This paper summarizes the opportunities in IoT and smart farm. The major benefits and obstacles in introducing smart farms are reviewed and the cases of two successful smart farms in Korea are analyzed. Through these case studies, we can recognize the current status and future strategies in Korean smart farms.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.479-488
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• 2023

As the interest in sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture continues to grow, there is a corresponding increase in organic fertilizers utilization. However, studies on ammonia (NH₃) emissions, which are primarily generated in the agricultural sector, by organic fertilizers are lacking. Additionally, the reliance on imported ingredients in the production of organic fertilizers hinders the widespread adoption of organic fertilizers. This study aims to evaluate NH₃ volatilization by incorporating rice husk biochar into organic fertilizers. The study also aims to assess whether domestically produced rice husk biochar can serve as a viable substitute for imported ingredients. Here, the dynamic chamber method was used under controlled conditions. Results show that inorganic fertilizers readily undergo hydrolysis, thereby rapidly generating significant amounts of NH₃, particularly in the initial stages. In contrast, organic fertilizers decompose gradually, leading to relatively long-term NH₃ emissions. The incorporation of rice husk biochar into organic fertilizers demonstrated diminished daily NH₃ emissions compared to those from commercial organic fertilizers, resulting in decreased total NH₃ volatilization. These findings show that the combination of rice husk biochar can reduce NH₃ volatilization and serve as an alternative to imported ingredients for organic fertilizers. The results of this study can be utilized as fundamental information for the assessment of biochar as a potential ingredient for organic fertilizers.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Organic Agriculture Conference
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• 2009.12a
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• pp.281-281
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• 2009

Although national and regional environmentally friend agriculture (EFA) and food development programmes such as the Life-Food Development Plan (LFDP) have been established in Korea, some policy measures in these programmes seem to be unsuitable for Korean organic farming development. Policy measures tend to support external input purchases of organic fertilizers rather than market development actions such as providing consumer information, research, education, training and statistical data collection. The development of an organic action plan (OAP) for Korea is therefore considered essential for the sustainable future of organic farming in Korea. The purposes of OAP are 1) to define and set the clear goals/targets for the organic sector development, 2) to integrate various organic stakeholders and public institutions in partnership, 3)to focus on specific issues with tailored measures and 4) to integrate and develop different policy measures (Stolze, 2005). Most EU member state countries have developed their own OAPs and each reflects its own priorities with regard to organic sector development. This study compares and contrasts the Welsh, England and EU OAP with the Korean Jeonnam Life-Food Development Plan (LFDP) in order to facilitate the development of the organic food and farming sector in Korea. Early action plan, for example, the first Welsh OAP(1999) focused support on developing the supply of organic products whereas later action plans (e.g. England OAPs in 2002 and 2004 and the second Welsh OAP in 2005) focussed more on developing consumer demands for organic products. The EU OAP (2004) also aims at market support related to consumer demand and then organic farming production for its environmental and other social benefits. OAPs not only provide specific issue-solving tools but also perform a role as providing a focus for organic sector development as a whole. The Korean LFDP provides issue-solving tools but plays no regulatory role such as policy development, harmonizing various policy measures and conflicting factors and providing evaluation tools for further development. A national-level OAP could also facilitate international trade of organic products. To achieve better harmonized and sustainable approaches for the Korean organic industry, National- as well as regional- regulatory policy systems are urgently required in the form of an Organic Action Plan.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.124-132
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• 2019

BACKGROUND: Silver grass (Miscanthus sinensis) No. 1 was developed for production of bio-ethanol, and for the purpose the silver grass growing sector was established in Geumgang basin, Iksan, Jeonbuk, in 2011. However, the other application potentials except for using as the bio-energy resources should be considered because of the drop in international oil prices. Therefore, there is the necessity of a scientific basis to use the silver grass instead of rice straw as the organic matter source that is used for improvement of soil quality in the plastic film house. METHODS AND RESULTS: The silver grass was applied at 5, 10, 15 and 20 Mg/ha and tilled before the watermelon was planted in the plastic film-house. The control plot was treated with 10 Mg/ha with rice straw, and watermelons have been cultivated for 3 years(2017~2019). Soil aggregation, soil chemistry, and the growth characteristics were investigated, when the watermelon was harvested every year. Soil aggregation levels at the 2nd and 3rd year of watermelon harvest were similar from the plot applied with the silver grass at 5 Mg/ha and the control plot, and increased in the silver grass treated plots with more than 10 Mg/ha. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the plots. The nitrogen mineralization of silver grass in the control plot tended to be similar to the 5 Mg/ha plot, but the silver grass treated plots with over 10 Mg/ha showed low nitrogen mineralization. Soil EC on harvest stage was proportional to the applied mass of the silver grass, but pH was in inverse with the applied mass. Soil organic matter content, available phosphate, and exchangeable cations increased with the continued use of silver grass. Watermelon weight found to be the best on more than 15 Mg/ha of silver grass, and the sugar content was highest when 10 Mg/ha was treated. CONCLUSION: The use of the silver grass at 10 Mg/ha annually as the organic source was effective in replacing rice straw while growing fruits and vegetables on the plastic film house.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.219-230
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• 2021

BACKGROUND: Biochar is a solid material converted from agricultural biomass such as crop residues and pruning branch through pyrolysis under limited oxygen supply. Biochar consists of non-degradable carbon (C) double bonds and aromatic ring that are not readily broken down by microbial degradation in the soils. Due to the recalcitrancy of C in biochar, biochar application to the soils is of help in enhancing soil carbon sequestration in arable lands that might be a strategy of agricultural sector to mitigate climate change. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data were collected from studies on the effect of biochar application on soil C content conducted in East Asian countries including China, Japan and Korea under different experimental conditions (incubation, column, pot, and field). The magnitude of soil C storage was positively correlated (p < 0.001) with biochar application rate under field conditions, reflecting accumulation of recalcitrant black C in the biochar. However, The changes in soil C contents per C input from biochar (% per t/ha) were 6.80 in field condition, and 12.58 in laboratory condition. The magnitude of increment of soil C was lower in field than in laboratory conditions due to potential loss of C through weathering of biochar under field conditions. Biochar production condition also affected soil C increment; more C increment was found with biochar produced at a high temperature (over 450℃). CONCLUSION: This review suggests that biochar application is a potential measures of C sequestration in agricultural soils. However, as the increment of soil C biochar was affected by biochar types, further studies are necessary to find better biochar types for enhanced soil C storage.

• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.236-246
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• 2023

Background: This study helps to evaluate the Ovarian potential of Cameroonian Zebu cattle (Bos indicus) slaughtered in Etoudi - Yaoundé for implementing Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ARTs). The aim was to enhance the productivity of the cattle sub-sector in Cameroon while conserving local genetic resources. Methods: A total of 144 cows, including 94 cycled cows and 50 pregnant cows, were included in the study. Live weights were determined by measuring the thoracic perimeter of each cow using a Rondo measuring tape. Age was determined postmortem through examination of dentition and horns, while the uterus and ovaries were removed, weighed, and classified based on physiological status (pregnant or nonpregnant). Follicles were counted, and their diameters were measured and categorized into small (Ø < 3 mm), medium (Ø 3-8 mm), and large (Ø > 8 mm). Results: The results revealed an average follicular population of 32.02 ± 9.31 per cow, with 22.43 ± 8.45 small follicles, 8.42 ± 3.87 medium follicles, and 0.76 ± 0.34 large follicles. The weight of the right ovary was significantly higher than that of the left ovary (p < 0.05), and cows aged 6 to 9 years exhibited a higher number of follicles compared to other age groups. Cows with medium (BCS = 3) and large (BCS = 4-5) body reserves had the heaviest ovaries. Additionally, pregnant cows had heavier uteri compared to non-pregnant cows, and cows with a body condition score of 3 or higher had higher uterine weights than lean cows (BCS = 1-2). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that age, body condition score, and pregnancy status influence ovarian weight. Body Condition Score serves as a reliable indicator of cow nutritional status, and cows with BCS of 3-5 are excellent candidates for in vitro production of embryos.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2017.06a
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• pp.3-3
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• 2017

The question of how to establish sustainable agricultural systems has become as prominent as questions related to water, energy and climate change. High input/high output agriculture has brought with it many adverse effects; the massive deterioration of soil and water in both quantity and quality, increased greenhouse gas emissions and an increased prevalence of unsafe foods. Additionally, urbanization and climate change has worsened the shortage of farmland and reduced the supply of agricultural water. Given these challenges, maintaining, conserving and efficiently using agri-environmental resources, through fostering of sustainable agriculture, have emerged as key tasks in solving these problems. What is needed therefore is research, based on systematic and comprehensive empirical analyses, that can propose plans and methods for establishing an appropriate sustainable agricultural system. The empirical analysis of sustainable agricultural system is approached separately from economic, environmental and social aspects. An analysis of environment effect reveals that the available phosphate level is 1.3~2.1 times greater than the optimal amount in rice paddies, upland fields and orchards. Further examination has revealed that the excess nutrient is polluting both ground water and surface water. Analytical results for economic feasibility show that factors of production have been invested heavily in the rice crop. Under these conditions, sustainable agriculture, including low-input agriculture, appears to be a possible alternative that will facilitate simultaneous improvements in both economic feasibility and environment effects. Analysis results for sociality reveal that social factors include the value of producer, association and interior networks. Social conditions are comprised of leadership, consumers' awareness, education and conflict solutions. In addition, analysis as to the degree investments contribute to improving agricultural value added has revealed that the direct payment program is the most effective instrument. Experts confirm that economic feasibility can be improved by scientific and well-reasoned nutrient management on the basis of soil testing. Farmers pointed to 'economic factors' as being the largest obstacle to switching to the practice of sustainable agriculture. They also indicate 'uncertainty with regards to sustainable agriculture technology' as an impediment to practicing sustainable agriculture. Even so, farmers who believe environmental and regional issues to be the most pressing problems have expanded their practice of sustainable agriculture. The keys to establishing sustainable agriculture system are classified into the following four aspects. Firstly, from an economic aspect, the research indicates that agricultural policy needs to be integrated with environmental policy and that the function of market making based on the value chain needs to be revitalized. Secondly, from an environmental aspect, there is a need for an optimal resource management system to be established in the agricultural sector. In addition, sustainable agriculture practice will need to be extended with attendant environmentally-friendly and sustainable intensive technology also requiring further development. Thirdly, from a social aspect, green agriculture management needs to be fostered, technology and education extended, and social conflict mediated. Lastly, from a governance aspect, it will be necessary to strengthen good governance, assign and share suitable roles and responsibilities, build a cooperation system and utilize community supported agriculture.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.715-725
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• 2017

Importance of climate change and its impact on agriculture and environment has increased with the rise in the levels of Green House Gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere. To slow down the speed of climate change, numerous efforts have been applied in industrial sectors to reduce GHGs emission and to enhance carbon storage. In the agricultural sector, several types of research have been performed with emphasis on GHGs emission reduction; however, only a few work has been done in understanding the role of carbon sink on reduction in GHGs emission. In this study, we investigated ecosystem carbon balance and soil carbon storage in an agricultural paddy field. The results obtained were as follows: 1) Evaluation of soil C sequestration in paddy field was average $3.88Mg\;CO_2\;ha^{-1}$ following NPK+rice straw compost treatment, average $3.22Mg\;C\;ha^{-1}$ following NPK+hairy vetch treatment, and average $1.97Mg\;CO_2\;ha^{-1}$ following NPK treatment; and 2) Net ecosystem production (NEP) during the paddy growing season was average $14.01Mg\;CO_2\;ha^{-1}$ following NPK+hairy vetch treatment, average $12.60Mg\;CO_2\;ha^{-1}$ following NPK+rice straw compost treatment, and average $11.31Mg\;CO_2\;ha^{-1}$ following NPK treatment. Therefore, it is proposed that organic matter treatment can lead to an increase in soil organic carbon accumulation and carbon sock of crop ecosystem in fields compared to chemical fertilizers.

• Journal of Agricultural Extension & Community Development
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.265-280
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• 2022

Rural life improvement has remained a key policy concern for the governments of most developing countries. However, developing countries mostly focused on agricultural productivity and technology development while implementing rural development policies. This paper was aimed at constructing the trends and identify the major tasks implemented through the rural life improvement programs in Korea and describing rural development efforts in Ethiopia after the Second World War. The data was generated through an intensive review of literature and focus group interview in Korea. The two countries in general and their rural areas in particular, were poor and almost similar initially. While the condition of rural Korea rapidly transformed since 1960s, rural Ethiopia has not yet experienced major improvement. Although different rural development efforts have been made in Ethiopia, erratic policies implemented by the different political regimes across time emerge to be one of the main factors behind the poor performance of the of the rural sector. Further, while the Korean government's rural development policy gave equal emphasis to improvement of agricultural production base as well as rural life improvement right from its inception, the Ethiopian rural development policy has rather neglected the rural life improvement aspect. Diversification of rural economy was also another priority area in Korea's rural development policy through agro-processing, rural tourism, and non-farm employment opportunities whereas this has not been the case in Ethiopia's rural development policy. We suggest some lessons that Ethiopia might adapt for its rural life improvement endeavors.