• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.659-665
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• 2014

Wood properties are affected by environmental factors such as soil and climate change. There were close relationships between mechanical properties and stand characteristics for Quercus serrata stands in Gyeongsangnam-do Province, Jeollanam-do Province and Je-ju island. Both compression and shear strengths of woods showed a negative correlation with diameter at breast height (DBH) and the number of tree per hector, while they are positively related with with tree age, altitude, and drainage. The annual ring width was also negatively correlated with tree age, altitude, drainage, DBH, and tree height. However, anatomical characteristics of wood did not show much variation depending on the provincial regions. These results brought a conclusion that Quercus serrata in southern region could be useful forest resources for the utilization of wood.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.110 no.4
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• pp.678-688
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• 2021

This study was conducted to provide growth characteristics and stand information in preparation for natural regeneration method and silvicultural treatment of seed tree method in Korean red pine stands by using the field inventoried data 18 years after the seed tree regeneration method in 2001 and analyzing the stand and sapling characteristics. The study area was located in the Research Forest of Kangwon National University, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do. In November 2018, we collected tree measurement factors, such as diameter at breast height (DBH), height, crown class, stem quality, tree age, and annual height increment on the established plots. We calculated the basal area, volume, height-diameter ratio (HD ratio), and additional stand density variables such as the relative density and %stocking to analyze the managed stands. The number of mother trees was 58 trees/ha, with a 17.7% stocking level, whereas the number of saplings was 2,330 trees/ha, with a 79.0% stocking level. In germination, the age distribution of saplings ranged from 2001 to 2007, with most belonging to 15-16 years. The development condition of saplings was 10 cm in DBH and 8 m in height. DBH and height were higher as the crown class is more dominant, and this difference was statistically significant in the analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple comparison test (p<0.0001). HD ratio ranged mostly between 80% and 90%, and more than 95% of sapling stems were of high quality, with a straight, unbroken top, non-sweep, and non-diseased stem. On average, the annual height increment of saplings was 21.9 cm at 1 year, 43.3 cm at 5 years, 54.3 cm at 10 years, and 64.3 cm at 15 years. The overall height growth with age increased smoothly. According to the analysis of covariance, the annual height growth by crown class differed significantly. The regression analysis parameters revealed that annual height growth increased with age and dominant crown class.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.112 no.4
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• pp.472-489
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• 2023

This study was conducted to derive the optimal estimation equations for deriving the green and dry weights of Larix kaempferi (Japanese larch) and Pinus rigida (Rigida pine), which are major coniferous tree species in South Korea. The equations were then used to develop weight tables. Table development began with the sampling of 150 L. kaempferi and 90 P. rigida trees distributed throughout the national scale, after which green weights were measured on-site. Samples from each stand were then collected, and their dry weights were measured in a laboratory. The equation used to calculate green and dry weights was divided into a one-variable formula that uses only the diameter at breast height (DBH) and a two-variable equation that employs DBH and height. The equations used to estimate the green and dry weights of logs were divided into one- and two-variable equations using DBH. Statistical data, such as the fitness index (FI), root mean square error, standard error of estimation, and residual diagram, were used to verify the suitability of the estimation equations. Applicability was examined by calculating weights using the derived optimal equations. The equation W = bD+cD² was used in measurements involving only DBH, whereas the equation W = aD^bH^c was employed in cases involving both diameter and height at breast height. The FI of W = bD+cD² was 0.91, while that of W = aD^bH^c was 0.95, both of which are high values. With these estimation formulas, weight tables for the green and dry weights of L. kaempferi and P. rigida were prepared and compared with weight tables created 20 years ago. The green and dry weight tables of both species were larger.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.287-297
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• 2016

This study aims to identify the relationship between climatic factors and stand mean Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) for two major tree species; Pinus densiflora and Quercus mongolica in Andong-dam basin. Forest variables such as age, diameter distribution and number of trees per hectare from the $5^{th}$ and $6^{th}$ National Forest Inventory data were used to develop a DBH estimation model. Climate data were collected from six meteorological observatory station and twelve Automatic Weather System provided by Korea Meteorological Administration to produce interpolated daily average temperature map with Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) method. Andong-dam basin reflects rugged mountainous terrain, so temperature were adjusted by lapse rate based correction. As a result, predictions of model were consistent with the previous studies; that the rising temperature is negatively related to the growth of Pinus densiflora whereas opposing trend is observed for Quercus mongolica.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.169-177
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• 2024

This study investigated whether population dynamic analysis based on the height characteristics of Abies nephrolepis was feasible. It was necessary because existing population dynamic analyses based on age and diameter at breast height (DBH) made it difficult to reflect the slow growth characteristics of Abies nephrolepis in harsh environments of high altitudes. The limitations of population dynamics analysis based on the age and DBH distribution of Abies nephrolepis in Seoraksan, Odaesan, and Taebaeksan National Parks, where Abies nephrolepis populations are representative, were verified, and the characteristics of height growth were investigated to comprehensively analyze whether a vertical structure based on height could reveal the population dynamics. The result of this study showed some limitations in understanding the population dynamics of Abies nephrolepis based on age distribution due to practical difficulties in sampling all trees and variations in age distribution within the same community depending on factors such as light conditions. Moreover, it was challenging to differentiate the distribution of DBH classes at fine levels, making it difficult to reflect the rapid growth characteristics of Abies nephrolepis when light conditions become suitable after prolonged stays in smaller DBH classes under shade conditions. However, a comprehensive analysis of the height characteristics of Abies nephrolepis revealed that the density corresponding to the population dynamic characteristics of Abies was high and adequately reflected the predominant tree death at similar height stages, as well as the U-shaped population dynamics at the lower stratum. Moreover, it was possible to identify a transition point in height values under shaded conditions, where the annual growth of Abies nephrolepis individuals in the lower stratum increases significantly, indicating that Abies nephrolepis individuals can escape from competition with other shrubs and undergo vigorous growth only at this height level. Therefore, this study confirmed that a vertical structure based on height can be utilized to understand the population dynamics of Abies nephrolepis in high altitudes, and it is expected that future studies on height characteristics can intuitively reveal the maintenance status of Abies nephrolepis populations in the field.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.101 no.2
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• pp.266-278
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• 2012

The objective of this study was developing dynamic stand growth model to predict diameter at breast height (DBH) growth by thinning intensity and cycle for major tree species of South Korea. The yield table, one of static stand growth models, constructed by Korea Forest Service was employed to prepare dynamic stand growth models for 8 tree species. In the process of model development, the thinning type was designated to thinning from below and equations for predicting the DBH change after thinning by different intensities was generated. In addition, stand density (N/ha), age and site index were adopted as explanatory variables for DBH prediction model. Thereafter, using the model, DBH growth under various silvicuture through integrating such equations considering thinning intensities, and cycles. The dynamic stand growth model of DBH developed in this study can provide understanding of effectiveness in forest growth and growing stock when thinning practice is performed in forest. Furthermore, results of this study is also applicable to quantitatively assess the carbon storage sequestration capability.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.196-206
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• 2020

Background: The Himalayan forests are of great importance to sustain the nature and community resource demands. These forests are facing pressures both from anthropogenic activities and ongoing global climatic changes. Poor natural regeneration has been considered a major problem in mountainous forests. To understand the population structure and regeneration status of Larix (Larix griffithiana and Larix himalaica), we conducted systematic vegetation surveys in three high-altitude valleys namely Ghunsa (Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, KCA), Langtang (Langtang National Park, LNP), and Tsum (Manaslu Conservation Area, MCA) in Nepal Himalaya. The average values of diameter at breast height (DBH), height, and sapling height were compared for three sites and two species using Kruskal-Wallis test. Population structure was assessed in terms of proportion of seedlings, saplings, and trees. Regeneration was analyzed using graphical representation of frequencies of seedlings, saplings, and trees in histograms. Results: The results showed that the population structure of Larix in terms of the proportion of seedling, sapling, and tree varied greatly in the three study areas. KCA had the highest record of seedling, sapling, and tree compared to other two sites. Seedlings were the least among three forms and many plots were without seedlings. We found no seedling in MCA study plots. The plot level average DBH variation among sites was significant (Kruskal-Wallis χ² = 7.813, df = 2, p = 0.02) as was between species (Kruskal-Wallis χ² = 5.9829, df = 1, p = 0.014). Similarly, the variation in average tree height was significant (Kruskal-Wallis χ² = 134.23, df = 2, p < 0.001) among sites as well as between species (Kruskal-Wallis χ² = 128.01, df = 1, p < 0.001). All the sites showed reverse J-shaped curve but more pronounced for KCA and MCA. In comparing the two species, Larix griffithiana has clear reverse J-shaped diameter distribution but not Larix himalaica. Conclusion: The varied responses of Larix manifested through regeneration status from spatially distinct areas show that regeneration limitations might be more pronounced in the future. In all the three studied valleys, regeneration of Larix is found to be problematic and specifically for Larix griffithiana in MCA and Larix himalaica in LNP. To address the issues of disturbances, especially serious in LNP, management interventions are recommended to sustain the unique Himalayan endemic conifer.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.398-407
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• 2021

This study intended to identify causes of poor tree vigor in the Hanbando coastal forest by investigating its geographical environment, climate condition, soil physicochemical characteristics, and growth condition of Pinus thunbergii. It divided the forest into an area with poor tree vigor or dead standing trees and a control area with good tree vigor and examined them separately. The survey showed that stand density was significantly higher in the area with poor tree vigor. In contrast, the crown width in the area with good tree vigor was wider. The number of dead standing trees and the stand density showed a negative correlation. The stand density and diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height, crown height, and crown width also showed a negative correlation. The result indicated that, as the tree's stand density increases, the crowns of individual trees overlapped and the lower branches died. Then crown height and crown width decreased, and the number of leaves and photosynthesis was reduced, leading to lower tree height and weaker growth of breast diameter. As a result, tree vigor weakened, and combined with environmental pressures from the lack of moisture and nutrients in coastal soil and salty wind, P. thunbergii in coastal areas is expected to die massively. Although the causes of dead standing trees and poor tree vigor of P. thunbergii in the Hanbando coastal forest are complicated, poor management of adequate tree density in response to the growth of P. thunbergii is the primary cause. The secondary cause is external environmental pressures, including unfavorable soil conditions and salty and strong wind that obstruct the growth of P. thunbergii.

• Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.219-227
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• 2021

Background and objective: Urban street trees play an important role in carbon reduction in cities where greenspace is scarce. There are ongoing studies on carbon reduction by street trees. However, information on the carbon reduction capacity of street trees based on field surveys is still limited. This study aimed to quantify carbon uptake and storage by urban street trees and suggest a method to improve planting of trees in order to increase their carbon reduction capacity. Methods: The cities selected were Sejong, Chungju, and Jeonju among cities without research on carbon reduction, considering the regional distribution in Korea. In the cities, 155 sample sites were selected using systematic sampling to conduct a field survey on street environments and planting structures. The surveyed data included tree species, diameter at breast height (DBH), diameter at root collar (DRC), height, crown width, and vertical structures. The carbon uptake and storage per tree were calculated using the quantification models developed for the urban trees of each species. Results: The average carbon uptake and storage of street trees were approximately 7.2 ± 0.6 kg/tree/yr and 87.1 ± 10.2 kg/tree, respectively. The key factors determining carbon uptake and storage were tree size, vertical structure, the composition of tree species, and growth conditions. The annual total carbon uptake and storage were approximately 1,135.8 tons and 22,737.8 tons, respectively. The total carbon uptake was about the same amount as carbon emitted by 2,272 vehicles a year. Conclusion: This study has significance in providing the basic unit to quantify carbon uptake and storage of street trees based on field surveys. To improve the carbon reduction capacity of street trees, it is necessary to consider planning strategies such as securing and extending available grounds and spaces for high-density street trees with a multi-layered structure.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.378-388
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• 2012

This study was carried out to investigate the optimum condition for sap exudation of Juglans mandshurica in comparison with Acer mono Max. trees in a site of Inje-Gun, Gangwon-Do, Korea. Amount of sap exudation, air temperature, relative air humidity and tree diameter at breast height (DBH) were monitored for the period of February 1 through March 31, 2008, and correlation analysis of several factors affecting on sap exudation was carried out. Sap exudation from J. mandshurica initiated on Feb. 28 as the same time in case of A. mono and continued for a month, and enhanced in early March compared to around the middle of March for A. mono. The amount of sap of A. mono was linearly proportional to the diameter at breast height (DBH) but there was no apparent relationship for J. mandshurica. As the amount of sap exudation per tree increased then sap exudation per unit DBH was also linearly proportional in both J. mandshurica and A. mono. The amount of sap exudation per unit DBH of J. manshurica were $0.3{\pm}0.1{\ell}/cm$ on average, which was one third times of $0.9{\pm}0.1{\ell}/cm$ for A. mono. During the days of enhanced sap exudation, the atmospheric conditions such as air temperature and relative humidity around J. manshurica trees were very similar with those of A. mono. The minimum temperature was a significant factor affecting the amount of sap of J. mandshurica whereas the range of temperature was the principal factor for A. mono. In conclusion, the sap of J. mandshurica exudated in atmospheric conditions similar to A. mono, but the amount of sap was affected by different atmospheric factors compared to A. mono.