• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.24-31
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• 2022

BACKGROUND: The most common litter materials used in South Korea are sawdust, rice husk, etc. Recently, the cost of litter has been steadily rising, and the maturity test has been strengthened. For this reason, new litter materials are needed for better water control ability to solve the problems. The object of this study was to evaluate the water absorption properties for litter materials. METHODS AND RESULTS: The volumetric water capacity according to the addition of cow manure was investigated to calculate the water absorption speed of litter materials (sawdust, peatmoss, cocopeat, and biochar). The water absorption speed constant (-K) in the first stage was high in the order of cocopeat (0.1190), sawdust (0.0961), biochar (0.0762), and peatmoss (0.0523). The optimal period of the litter use was in the following order: peatmoss (48d), biochar (42d), sawdust (30d), and cocopeat (24d). The water absorption rate (%) of the used litters was high in the order of biochar ≈ cocopeat, sawdust, and peatmoss, which was significantly correlated with the water absorption speed of the first stage. CONCLUSION(S): Considering the water absorption speed and water absorption rate, biochar and peatmoss were found to be the best and optimal litter materials among the tested materials. These litter materials can be used as water control agents in livestock facilities.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.42-47
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• 2006

This study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of surface spraying of antimicrobial solutions, oil and application of both on performance of broiler chicken under heat stress and reared on leaves and ground corn cobs as two alternative bedding materials. Six hundred seventy five day-old straightrun Arian broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 45 pens (at density of $0.09m^2/bird$) in an open sided partially-controlled shed. Three bedding materials viz. wood shavings (WS), ground corn cobs (GCC) (1.5 cm in length) and leaves were subjected to surface spraying of oil ($0.4L/m^2$ animal food grade sunflower oil), anti microbial solutions (3%) and mix treatment of both. Data on performance traits, incidence of breast and food pad lesions and litter characteristics were gathered and analysed in an appropriate factorial arrangements. Body weight at 56 d, feed intake up to 14 d, litter moisture at 28 d, litter pH at 14 d and litter temperature at 14 and 56 d were significantly influenced by litter type (p<0.05). Litter treatment revealed significant impact on body weight at 28, 42 and 56 d, feed intake during 29-42 and 1-42 d, mortality up to 56 d, litter temperature at 28 and 56 d, and litter pH at 28 and 56 d. Leaves and ground corn cobs have shown good potential as alternative bedding materials for rearing broilers. Surface spraying of antimicrobial solutions, oil and applying both were not effective tools to promote the broiler's health and performance. Meat type poultry growers and integrators are considered as primary audiences of the results achieved.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.555-557
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• 2003

A total of 168 seven days-old Arbor Acres chicks were reared in late-autumn on 4 types of litters; sawdust, rice husk, sugarcane bagasse or wheat straw up to 49 days of age to compare the growth performance, evaluate the manureal value and Coccidial oocyst population in used litter. Sadust, rice husk, sugarcane bagasse and wheat straw did not differ statistically for live weight, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio and survivability (p>0.05). However, live weight and survivability tended to increase on sawdust. The highest moisture content of used litter was found in sugarcane bagasse followed by sawdust, rice husk and wheat straw (p<0.05). Rice husk contained the highest amount of of nitrogen, phosphurus and potassium followed by sawdust, sugarcane bagasse and wheat straw (p<0.01). Oocyst content of all treatment groups increased suddenly up to 5 weeks of age and thereafter suddenly declined up to 7 weeks of age. Litter materials did not differ at 35 and 42 days of age for oocyst content, but significantly differed at 49 days of age (p<0.01). So, the above findings reveal that sawdust may be suitable litter followed by rice husk, sugarcane bagasse and wheat straw in late-autumn in Bangladesh in respect of broiler growth performance.

• Journal of Animal Environmental Science
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.17-22
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• 1999

This experiment was conducted to determine the influence of litter type on growing performance of broiler and litter characteristics. Sawdust, wood chips and solid part of cattle manure was used as a litter from 7 to 42 days of broiler age. The body weight was significantly (p<.05) higher in manure solid than those of sawdust and wood chips. The litter production was 2,134, 2,246 and 1,785g per bird on the sawdust, the wood chip and the manure solid during 35 days, respectively. Although the initial moisture contents of the litter materials were different 23.5% for sawdust, 16.26% for wood chips and 61.57% for cattle manure solids, the moisture were different 23.5% for sawdust, 16.26% for wood chips and 61.57% for cattle manure solid, the moisture contents became similar after 28 days of the experimental period. The nitrogen content of manure solid was higher than those of sawdust and wood chips. It was concluded that solid part of cattle manure and wood chips were potentially useful source of litter materials for broiler.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.13 no.11
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• pp.1598-1603
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• 2000

Broiler litter can be used as a feedstuff for ruminants. Fifty seven litter samples collected from 47 farms in Kyungkee Province of Korea were analyzed to assess the effects of type and amount of bedding (rice hulls vs. sawdust), season (winter vs. summer) and drinkers (bell- vs. trough-type) on composition of broiler litter. Rearing conditions of broilers were also surveyed from the farms to estimate annual production rate of litter. Nutrient composition of broiler litter varied widely and moisture and ash concentrations were higher than observed by other researchers. Ash concentration was higher (p<0.05) for samples taken in winter than in summer and higher (p<0.05) in the rice hulls- than in the sawdust-based litter both in winter and summer. Only minor differences in litter composition were noted between drinkers. Ash was negatively correlated with crude protein and neutral detergent fiber (p<0.01), and acid detergent fiber (p<0.05). The estimated litter production rate was 2.7 kg per bird per flock on a wet basis (60% DM) and the annual production rate was 12.7 kg per bird per yr (60% DM). Therefore, the 42 million broilers per month grown in Korea in 1999 produced a total of 533,400 metric tons of litter.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.415-421
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• 2004

Litter wastes on highway runoff are gradually being considered one of the major pollutants of concern in protecting the integrity of receiving waters for beneficial use. The California State Water Resources Control Board has identified in their 303(d) list at least 36 water bodies where trash or litter is considered a pollutant of concern. The first TMDL adopted by the Region 4 (Los Angeles area) of the California State Water Quality Control Board was for trash in the Los Angeles River. The first flush characteristic study was developed to obtain first flush water quality and litter data from representative stormwater runoff from standard highway drainage outfalls in the Los Angeles area. Total captured gross pollutants in stormwater runoff were monitored at six Southern California highway sites over two years. The gross pollutants were 90% vegetation and 10% litter. Approximately 50% of the litter was composed of biodegradable materials. The event mean concentrations show an increasing trend with antecedent dry days and a decreasing trend with total runoff volume or total rainfall. Event mean concentrations were ranged 0.0021 to 0.259g/L for wet gross pollutants and 0.0001 to 0.027g/L for wet litters. The first flush phenomenon was evaluated and the impacts of various parameters such as rainfall intensity, drainage area, peak flow rate, and antecedent dry period on litter volume and loading rates were evaluated. First flush phenomenon was generally observed for litter concentrations, but was not apparent with litter mass loading rates. Litter volume and loading rates appear to be directly related to peak storm intensity, antecedent dry days and total flow volume.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.64-72
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• 2007

This study investigated the types, forms, and origination of litter found along one hiking course in Moaksan Provincial Park, 'Jungin-ri Course'(entrance-ridge-valley-peak). In addition, a survey was conducted to understand hikers' litter control awareness in order to determine possible backcountry litter control measures. The following are the results of this study: 1. For the litter Sequency investigation, 199 recyclable pieces of litter were found on the mid-slope(61.6%), 89 by the entrance(27.6%), 19 in the valley(5.9%) and 16 on the peak(4.9%). A total of 323 pieces of litter were found. Paper materials were the most common, followed by plastic containers such as PET bottles and yogurt containers. Of particular interest, 288 papers and cans were found on the mid-slope(46.9%). By the entrance, more plastics and bottles were found. 2. There were 614 pieces of flammable litter collected and only 19 pieces of non-flammable. Most of the flammable litter, including snack pacts, plastic bags, processed lumber, cigarette butts, tissues, cigarette boxes, and fabric was found on the mid-slope. 3. Very little food waste was found throughout the whole site proving that the policy prohibiting hikers from cooking and eating at the designated sites has been effective. However, food waste is difficult to find because it naturally decays with time. 4. $X^2$-test was used to find different types of litter and their verified origination frequency. It was found that recyclable litter, and food waste took about 1%. In addition, recyclable litter, especially bottles, was found relatively frequently by the entrance. Flammable litter was found most often at the peak. 5. The questionnaire results showed that 48.2% of the respondents "shorten their hiking journey and purchase food outside the entrance" and 29.6% said that they "bring a packed meal from home". Only 8.2% said that they "cook something when an appropriate location is found". At the Jungin-ri course, a few hikers brought their own food to eat or cook, but most hikers purchased something to eat onsite. 6. The results of the question about having experience littering while hiking showed that 19.3% litter and 79.2% do not. Those that responded "yes" gave various reasons for littering. 63.6% claimed, "there are no designated trash containers". 15.9% said they litter subconsciously. Finally, 3.2% insist that they litter "because food naturally decomposes". 7. As a result of the overall satisfaction according to the Likert scale and the analysis with an average of 14 variables, it was found that the average "toxic litter control convenience" was 2.41 with very low satisfaction. Thus, the results indicate the importance of providing appropriate back country litter control facilities.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.517-528
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• 2015

Litter decomposition is an important process in terrestrial ecosystem. However, studies on decomposition are rare, especially in evergreen broadleaf trees. We collected the leaf litter of five evergreen broadleaf trees (Daphniphyllum macropodum, Dendropanax morbifera, Castanopsis cuspidata var. thunbergii, Machilus thunbergii and Quercus acuta), and carried out a decomposition experiment using the litterbag method in Ju-do, Wando-gun, Korea for 731 days from December 25, 2011 to December 25, 2013. Among the five experimental tree species, C. cuspidata var. thunbergii distribution was limited in Jeju Island, and D. macropodum was distributed at the highest latitude at Mt. Baekyang (N 35°40′). About 2% of the initial litter mass of D. macropodum and D. morbifera remained, while 20.9% remained for C. cuspidata var. thunbergii, 30.4% for M. thunbergii, and 31.6% for Q. acuta. D. macropodum litter decayed four times faster (k = 2.02 yr^-1) than the litter of Q. acuta (k = 0.58 yr^-1). The decomposition of litter was positively influenced by thermal climate such as accumulated mean daily air temperature (year day index) and precipitation, as well as by physical characteristics such as thickness (R²=0.939, P = 0.007) and specific leaf area (SLA) (R² = 0.964, P = 0.003). The characteristics of chemical composition such as lignin (R² = 0.939, P = 0.007) and water-soluble materials (R² = 0.898, P = 0.014) showed significant correlations with litter decomposition. However, the nutrients in litter showed complicated species-specific trends. The litter of D. macropodum and D. morbifera had fast decomposition despite their low nitrogen concentration and high C/N ratio. This means that the litter decomposition was more strongly affected by physical characteristics than chemical composition and nutrient content. On the other hand, the litter of Q. acuta which had the slowest decay rate had a high amount of N and low C/N ratio. Thus, the decomposition of Q. acuta litter was more affected by the P content of the litter than the N content, although all litter had similar physical characteristics.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.150-158
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• 2001

A study on the amount, distribution and item of bottom litter on the sea-bed was conducted by the bottom trawl net at 5 sections in Chinhae Bay over a year. The number and weight of litter found per unit of swept area (1 hectare) in each section were estimated as the range of 8.76-80.63 pieces, 3.51-108.39kg, respectively. The seasonal variation of high (Aug., '97) and low season (Feb., '98) in quantity was small, and it was about 2 times as the range of 24.58- 52.61 pieces/ha between them. But the weight variation between high (Apr., '98) and low season (Aug., '97) was very large, about 30 times as the range of 4.06-119.64kg/ha. The largest and second composition on the weight of bottom litter in Chinhae Bay are $76\%$ in other-litter with compound and bulky materials, and $93\%$ in fishing gear, respectively. The relationship between quantity and weight of bottom litter was not occurred due to the variety of specific gravity. Of the fishing gear, fishing nets was portioned to be 2.571kg/ha in weight and $84.9\%$ in composition. So these results prove that fishing nets were discarded as the most part of fishing gear during fishing activity in the bay. The largest composition of the soiled state classified into 3 styles in overall bottom litter was $69\%$ in very soiled state, and the second one of $28\%$ in the soiled state. On the other hand, new state is very small and portioned in $3.0\%$ of all. Chinhae Bay was estimated to be about 10 times in quantity and about 36 times in weight of Tokyo Bay. Therefore, these suggest that Chinhae Bay is a very serious polluted estuary caused by the bottom litter such as heavy and bulky wastes, fishing gear.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.275-279
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• 2018

Water status of intact plants has been optically estimated by measuring reflectance at the wavelengths 1,450 nm and 1,900 nm based on their signal strengths. Although another water band at 970 nm is considered to have very small signals, the band apparently lies within the detection range of inexpensive spectrometer and plain charge-coupled device (CCD) camera used in wild fire studies. However measurement of the reflectance at 970 nm has been rarely applied to estimate the water status of dead plant materials such as fallen branch, twig, and leaf. To test the possibility of applying water reflectance at 970 nm to estimate the water content (WC) in leaf litter, the reflectance in various WC values were measured in the leaf litter of three Quercus species (Q aliena, Q aliena, Q mongolica, and Quercus variabilis). The results showed that the WC in the leaf litter can be determined by reflectance water index (WI) in the three Quercus species ($WC=1,450{\times}WI-1,378.8$, r=0.865). However, there was no interaction effect in the relationship between WI and WC among the litter of the three Quercus species.