• Journal of the Korean GEO-environmental Society
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• v.20 no.12
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• pp.33-39
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• 2019

The upsurge of population, internal migration, economic activities and developmental works has brought significant land use and land cover (LULC) change over the period of 1990 and 2010 in the Bagmati basin of Nepal. Along with alteration on various other ecosystem services like water yield, water quality, soil loss etc. carbon sequestration is also altered. This study thus primary deals with evaluation of LULC change and its impact on the soil carbon storage for the period 1990 to 2010. For the evaluation, InVEST (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs) Carbon model is used. Residential and several other infrastructural development activities were prevalent on the study period and as a result in 2010 major soil carbon reserve like forest area is decreased by 7.17% of its original coverage in 1990. This decrement has brought about a subsequent decrement of 1.39 million tons of carbon in the basin. Conversion from barren land, water bodies and built up areas to higher carbon reserve like forest and agriculture land has slightly increased soil carbon storage but still, net reduction is higher. Thus, the spatial output of the model in the form of maps is expected to help in decision making for future land use planning and for restoration policies.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.109-123
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• 2014

Kaloula borealis is the species of Amphibia which belongs to Kaloula genus and it is the only species inhabiting in Korea. The population size and habitat of Kaloula borealis have been significantly decreased on a national scale due to the diversified developments and the uses of agricultural pesticides. Accordingly, the Ministry of Environment has designated and managed them as the class II of endangered species, in accordance with "Endangered Species Protection and Management Act"; however, a particular study focused on the ecological restoration of Kaloula borealis is desperately needed to prevent their extinction. This study was conducted to propose the HSI (Habit Suitability Index) of Kaloula borealis based on literature survey on ecology and habitats of Kaloula borealis, as well as their HSI. Factors to be investigated in HSI include: space, feed, cover, water(breeding) and threatening factors and the variables of each factor were also proposed. The distance from wetland, grassland, farm, stream and rice paddy, as well as the altitude of spawning pond were proposed as the variables of space, whereas the bed structure of forest and low-rise grassland were proposed as the variables of feeding. The variables of water (breeding) include the area of permanent and temporary wetlands, coverage of emerged pants (ratio of open water), water depth, water temperature, water quality, pH level, etc., whereas the presence of predator, distance from street and pollutants were proposed as the variables of threatening factor. The sub-standards by HSI factor of Kaloula borealis have been drawn from in-depth consultation with experts and based on this, the final HSI of Kaloula borealis was developed.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.123-129
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• 2012

Salt marsh is an important transitional zone among terrestrial, riverine, and marine ecosystems and is a productive habitat that interacts extensively with adjacent landscape elements of estuarine and coastal ecosystems. Nowadays, in addition to various human activities, a variety of natural processes induce changes in salt marshes. This study aims to provide background information to restore disturbed salt marshes and to propose their ecological restoration using seed banks. The study area is a prepared area for the Gwangyang Container Port located in the southern Korea. This area was formed by accumulating mud soils dredged from the bottom of the forward sea. This land was created in a serial process of preparing the Gwangyang container port and the salt marsh was passively restored by seeds buried in mud soil dredged from seabed. As a result of stand ordination based on vegetation data collected from the land, stands were arranged according to tolerance to salinity in the order of $Suaeda$ $maritima$, $Salicornia$ $europaea$, and $Phragmites$ $communis$ communities on the Axis 1. Landscape structure of the projected area was analyzed as well. Edges of the projected area were divided from the marginal waterway by the dike. Four types of vegetation appeared on the dike: $Alnus$ $firma$ plantation, $Robinia$ $pseudoacacia$ plantation, $Lespedeza$ $cyrtobotrya$ plantation, and grassland. In the more internal areas, two types of vegetation sequences appeared: $Aster$ $tripolium$ community-$Suaeda$ $glauca$ community-$Salicornia$ $europaea$ community sequence and $Aster$ $tripolium$ community-$Suaeda$ $maritima$ community-$S.$ $europaea$ community sequence. Mixed community showed the highest species diversity (H' = 0.86) and $S.$ $europaea$ community showed the lowest (H' = 0.0). Evenness is the highest in Mixed community (J' = 2.26) and the lowest in $S.$ $maritime-S.$ $europaea$ community (J' = 0.0). Several plant communities were successfully established on the land created by mud soil dredged from the bottom of Gwangyang Bay. Moreover, community diversity in this area approached a similar level with those from other studies involving natural salt marshes. Therefore, restoration effect based on community diversity obtained in our study can be evaluated as a successful achievement. In this respect, although most salt marshes in Korea and other places worldwide have been destroyed or disturbed by excessive land use, feasibility of seed bank as a restoration tool is greatly expected.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.28-37
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• 2016

Background: Panax ginseng cannot be cultivated on the same land consecutively for an extended period, and the underlying mechanism regarding microorganisms is still being explored. Methods: Polymerase chain reaction and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) and BIO-LOG methods were used to evaluate the microbial genetic and functional diversity associated with the P. ginseng rhizosphere soil in various cultivation ages and modes. Results: The analysis of microbial diversity using PCR-DGGE showed that microbial communities were significantly variable in composition, of which six bacterial phyla and seven fungal classes were detected in P. ginseng soil. Among them, Proteobacteria and Hypocreales dominated. Fusarium oxysporum, a soilborne pathogen, was found in all P. ginseng soil samples except R0. The results from functional diversity suggested that the microbial metabolic diversity of fallow soil abandoned in 2003was the maximum and transplanted soil was higher than direct-seeding soil and the forest soil uncultivated P. ginseng, whereas the increase in cultivation ages in the same mode led to decreases in microbial diversity in P. ginseng soil. Carbohydrates, amino acids, and polymers were the main carbon sources utilized. Furthermore, the microbial diversity index and multivariate comparisons indicated that the augmentation of P. ginseng cultivation ages resulted in decreased bacterial diversity and increased fungal diversity, whereas microbial diversity was improved strikingly in transplanted soil and fallow soil abandoned for at least one decade. Conclusion: The key factors for discontinuous P. ginseng cultivation were the lack of balance in rhizosphere microbial communities and the outbreak of soilborne diseases caused by the accumulation of its root exudates.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.105 no.2
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• pp.167-176
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• 2016

This study was carried out to compare soil physicochemical properties and nutrient concentrations of tree leaf between planted forests following forest fire and an undisturbed forest in the Bongdaesan mountain, where is located in the Ulsan metropolitan city. We established three deciduous tree planting (Liriodendron tulipifera L., Prunus yedoensis Matsum and Quercus acutissima Carruth.) plots, one unplanted plot following four-year forest fire and one undisturbed plot (Pinus densiflora S et. Z). Carbon (C) stocks in the organic horizon were significantly lower in the tree planted plots ($2394-3551kg{\cdot}C{\cdot}ha^{-1}$) or the unplanted plots ($3689kg{\cdot}C{\cdot}ha^{-1}$) than in the undisturbed plot ($9388kg{\cdot}C{\cdot}ha^{-1}$). However, phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) stocks in the organic horizon were not significantly different among the treatments. Soil water phase and soil pH were significantly higher in the P. yedoensis plot (water phase: 13.7-18.4%; soil pH: 4.62- 4.80) than in the undisturbed plots (water phase: 7.0%; soil pH: 4.10). Soil organic C concentration was slightly higher in the tree planted plots (1.89-3.60%) than in the unplanted (1.41%) plots. Soil Ca and Mg stocks at 10 cm of soil depth were significantly higher in the P. yedoensis and L. tulipifera plots than in the unplanted or undisturbed plots. Nutrient concentrations (Ca and Mg) of leaf were significantly higher in the L. tulipifera than in the Q. acutissima and the undisturbed pine plots. The results indicate that P, Ca, and Mg stocks in the organic horizon was not affected by tree planting, but Ca and Mg stocks at 10 cm of the soil depth were enhanced by the tree species established following four-year forest fire.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.111 no.1
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• pp.61-71
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• 2022

Data from an investigation of vulnerable conifer species in the subalpine zone in Korea obtained by the Korea Forest Service in 2017-2018 and monitoring research conducted by the National Institute of Forest Science since 2014 were used to analyze the status of distribution and growing condition of three major conifer species (Abies nephrolepis, Abies koreana, and Picea jezoensis) in the subalpine zone in the Baekdudaegan protected area. The distribution area of the studied species in the Baekdudaegan protected area was ca. 74% (8,035 ha) of the total distribution area in Korea, indicating that Baekdudaegan is a core area for conservation and restoration of subalpine conifer species. From decline index [A. nephrolepis in Mt. Taebaeksan and Mt. Deogyusan increased by 77.3% and 29.6%, respectively; A. koreana in Mt. Jirisan (Chunwangbong Peak) increased by 45.2% in four years; and P. jezoensis in Mt. Jirisan (Chunwangbong Peak) increased by 47.8% in two years] and seedling frequency (lower frequency of newly recruited seedlings than dead seedlings) results, the studied species are expected to face difficulties in sustainability. In contrast, at Mt. Seseoksan and Chunwangbong Peak in Mt. Jirisan, the health of trees and seedling frequency showed a partial tendency to recover and increase. In addition, we identified the relationship between the decline index and seedling frequency. These results will support the implementation of conservation strategies for vulnerable conifer species in the subalpine zone.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.730-740
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• 2012

Korea Expressway Corporation have a plan to make a new highway from East Hongcheon to Yanayang in Kangwon-do(province). This research was conducted to analyze a vegetation structure of japanese red pine forest and to prepare conservation and restoration basic information for minimizing the effects on pine mushroom producing by road construction. Considering the range of effects by road construction, twenty plots were set up near road construction reserved area, and surveyed. The result analyzed by TWINSPAN, one of the classification technique, showed that the communities were divided into four groups which are two Pinus densiflora community, Pinus densiflora-Quercus variabilis community and Pinus densiflora-Deciduous broad leaves forest community(IV). Species diversity index of each community ranged from $1.7353{\pm}0.0341$ to $1.9079{\pm}0.2471$, and the average number of species was $9.2{\pm}2.8$, especially $9.6{\pm}5.0$ at canopy layer in the unit area($100m^2$). The number of individuals ranged from 4 to 29 and average 9.55 in the unit area($100m^2$). The average RSI(relative space index) was below 35%, the average estimated age of the forest was $38{\pm}8.34$ years. The depth of $A_0$ layer of soil was 4~6cm and the range of soil acidity was pH4.70~5.63(average pH 5.29). Pine mushroom and Japanes red pine have a close symbiosis relation. Therefore it is needed that minimizing the read construction which goes through the pine mushroom producing area. If a road goes through a pine mushroom producing area, restoration measurement is prepared to prevent forest from rapid change such as succession or vegetation structure.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.45-52
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• 2015

We obtained the following results from investigation on vegetation damage from 5 to 6 August, 2013, about one year after an accident that hydrofluoric acid leaked from a chemical maker, Hube Globe in Gumi. Pinus densiflora and Pinus strobus showed very severe damage. Ginko biloba, Quercus acutissima, Pinus rigida, Salix glandulosa, Hibiscus syriacus, and Lagerstroemia indica showed severe damage. Quercus variabilis, Lespedeza cyrtobotrya, and Miscanthus sinensis showed moderate damage. Quercus aliena, Smilax china, Arundidinella hirta, Ailanthus altissima, Robinia pseudoacacia, and Paulowinia coreana showed slight damage. We did not find any plants without leaf damage around there. This result means that fluoride damage still persists in this area as was known that fluoride remains for a long time in air, soil and water and exerts negative effects at all levels of an ecosystem. In addition, fluoride content contained in plant leaf depended on the distance from a fertilizer producing factory and vegetation damage tended to proportionate to the concentration in the Yeocheon industrial complex. In these respects, a measure for removal or detoxification of the remaining fluoride is urgently required around the hydrofluoric acid leak spot. Fertilizing of dolomite containing Ca and Mg, which can trap fluoride, was prepared as one of the restoration plans. In addition, phosphate fertilizing was added in order to enhance soil ameliorating effects. Furthermore, we recommend the introduction of tolerant plants as the second measure to mitigate fluoride damage. As the tolerant plants to make a new forest by replacing trees died due to hydrofluoric acid gas damage, we recommended Q. aliena and S. china, A. hirta, etc. were recommended as plant species to add mantle vegetation to the forest margin to ensure stable interior environment of the forest.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.102 no.4
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• pp.571-577
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• 2013

This study was carried out to establish the construction guidelines of soil erosion control structures for a restoration of mountain stream with analysis of water quality around constructed soil erosion control structures in mountain streams. Water pH of the Uidong valleys in Bukhansan (Mt.) was similar between the constructed soil erosion control structures of lower stream areas [pH 6.53(6.25~6.82)] and the non-constructed areas of upper stream areas [pH 6.32(5.73~6.90)]. Mean concentration of dissolved oxygen was also similar between the constructed soil erosion control structures of lower steam areas [10.2 mg/L(9.9~10.4 mg/L)] and the non-constructed areas of upper stream areas [10.3 mg/L (9.6~10.6 mg/L)]. Mean electric conductivity was similar between the lower [$63.9{\mu}S/cm$ ($32.6{\sim}120.4{\mu}S/cm$)]a nd the upper stream areas [$62.2{\mu}S/cm$ ($40.3{\sim}89.5{\mu}S/cm$)]. Mean concentration of anions was also similar between the lower [15.94 mg/L (3.43~7.98 mg/L)] and the upper stream areas [14.51 mg/L (2.56~4.29 mg/L)]. Water pH of the Honggei valleys in Sancheong-gun was similar between the lower [pH 6.86(6.50~7.10)] and the upper stream areas [pH 6.89(6.61~7.12)]. Mean concentration of dissolved oxygen was also similar between the lower [11.9 mg/L(11.5~12.3 mg/L)] and the upper stream areas [12.2 mg/L (11.6~12.6 mg/L)]. Mean electric conductivity was similar between the lower [$633.4{\mu}S/cm$ ($31.6{\sim}34.6{\mu}S/cm$)] and the upper stream areas [$32.7{\mu}S/cm$ ($31.4{\sim}34.3{\mu}S/cm$)]. Mean concentration of anion was also similar to both stream areas [1.0 mg/L (0.1~2.2 mg/L)]. Water quality in the Uidong and the Honggei valleys was not significantly different between the constructed soil erosion control structures of lower stream areas and the non-constructed areas of upper stream areas. It will be needed to study the time-series analysis of water quality before and after the construction of soil erosion control structure the restoration of mountain streams because the water quality in mountain streams could be affected during the construction processes of structures.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.102 no.3
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• pp.345-354
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• 2013

To understand the community structures of the vegetation of the beaches and coastal dunes of Seocheon-gun, Boryeong-si, Anmyeon-do, Taean-gun in Chungcheongnam-do and Buan-gun in Jeollabuk-do at the west coast of South Korea, a plant sociological vegetation survey was carried out to make a classification of correlation vegetation communities, a cluster analysis and an inorganic component analysis on the soil and plant body. Regarding the vegetation of the coastal dunes, plant communities were classified into 31 communities by correlation dominant species, and as a result of a cluster analysis on the vegetation communities, they were classified into five vegetation types such as Calystegia soldanella community, Rosa rugosa community, Imperata cylindrica community, Vitex tend community and Elymus mollis community. The soil pH was highest in Seocheon area ($7.54{\pm}1.18$) while lowest in Buan area ($6.29{\pm}2.15$), and regarding inorganic components, the nitrogen content was highest in Robinia while lowest in Imperata cylindrica. The soil PH of vegetation I was highest (8.23) among the five vegetation types, and the organic matter was lowest (71.58). As a result of CCA ordination analysis to examine the correlation among environmental factors, Calystegia soldanella community, Rosa rugosa community and Imperata cylindrica community among the five vegetation types were distributed while they were not affected by soil environmental elements, but Vitex tend community and Elymus mollis community were distributed mainly at the places with high $K^+$ content in the soil.