• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2005.08a
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• pp.100-113
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• 2005

Leaf color and plant vigor are key indicators of crop health. These visual plant attributes are frequently used by greenhouse managers, producers, and consultants to make water, nutrient, and disease management decisions. Remote sensing techniques can quickly quantify soil and plant attributes, but it requires humans to translate such data into meaningful information. Over time, scientists have used reflectance data from individual wavebands to develop a series of indices that attempt to quantify things like soil organic matter content, leaf chlorophyll concentration, leaf area index, vegetative cover, amount of living biomass, and grain yield. The recent introduction of active sensors that function independent of natural light has greatly expanded the capabilities of scientists and managers to obtain useful information. Characteristics and limitations of active sensors need to be understood to optimize their use for making improved management decisions. Pot experiments involving sand culture were conducted in 2003 and 2004 in a green house to evaluate corn and red pepper biomass. The rNDVI, gNDVI and aNDVI by ground-based remote sensors were used for evaluation of corn and red pepper biomass. The result obtained from the case study was shown that ground remote sensing as a non-destructive real-time assessment of plant nitrogen status was thought to be a useful tool for in season crop nitrogen management providing both spatial and temporal information.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.169-172
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• 2018

National parks are designated and managed for the purpose of preserving natural ecosystems, nature and cultural scenery, and promoting sustainable utilization in Korea. Since we designated Jirisan as the first Korean national park in 1967, we have now designated and managed 22 national parks. Because these national parks are the core protected areas of the nation and the ecological recreation center for the people, the interests of researchers related to national parks and citizens have steadily increased over the last 50 years. Especially, various natural science researches and social studies on national parks have been conducted with the launch of the Korea National Park Service in 1987, which is dedicated to national park management. However, we still lack research on national park research trends in Korea in spite of the increase in scientific research and public interest. It is important to know who and what institutes are leading national parks research, what research topics have been conducted, what kinds of researches are important in each national park, and how these researches relate to national park management policies. We propose a study to review the national parks related studies that have been carried out so far and identify the research trends. In the pilot study, we collected about 700 research papers on national parks published between 2002 and 2016 through the Korea Citation Index of Korean journals. We are analyzing the number of papers published, research institutes and research topics related to national parks. Analysis of these national park research trends will be necessary for efficient national park management and policy making for future generations.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.140-150
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• 2023

The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is an apex predator of the riparian ecosystem. It is a keystone and an indicator species; consequently, its presence suggests a sustainable water environment. Otter is a keystone species as a predator at the top of the food web in the aquatic environment and an indicator species representing the health of the aquatic environment. Although Eurasian otters disappeared from the Han River urban water system because of anthropogenic activities like habitat destruction, poaching, and environmental pollution in the 1980s, the species were sighted in the Cheonggye Stream, Jungrang Stream, and Seongnae Stream, which are urban sections of the Han River, in 2016 and 2021. Therefore, it is pertinent to assess the habitat potential in the area for conservation and management measures to ensure its permanent presence. However, existing studies on otter habitats focused on natural rivers and reservoirs, and there is a limit to applying them to habitats artificially confined habitats in narrow spaces such as tributaries in urban areas of the Han River. This study selected the Cheonggye Stream, an artificially restored urban stream, to evaluate its potential as a habitat for Eurasian otters in urban water environments using the habitat suitability index (HSI). The HSI was calculated with selected environment attributes, such as the cover, food, and threat, that best describe the L. lutra habitat. According to the results, the confluence area of Seongbuk Stream and Cheonggye Stream and the confluence area of Cheonggye Stream and Jungnang Stream were suitable otter habitats, requiring appropriate conservation efforts. The HSI model suggests a valuable method to assess the habitat quality of Eurasian otters in urban water environments. The study is crucial as it can help rehabilitate the species' populations by identifying and managing potential Eurasian otter habitats in highly urbanized areas of the Han River basin and its tributaries.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.90-101
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• 2022

The study aims to assess composition, diversity and population indices of natural regeneration of woody species in Jebel El Gerrie forest reserve, Blue Nile State, Sudan. We conducted field work between December 2018 and January 2019. We used random sampling to collect vegetation data in the forest where we made a total of 90 circular sample plots (radius 17.84 m) and distributed them proportionally to the area of each of the four density-based vegetation classes of the forest i.e. high density (C1), medium density (C2), low density (C3) and crop land (C4). In each sample plot we identified all regenerating tree species and counted their regeneration frequencies. We calculated ecological metrics of regeneration frequency, density, abundance, richness, evenness, diversity and importance value index (IVI) and drew abundance rank curve. Results revealed that out of fifteen mature tree species present, natural regeneration of 8 species, which belong to 6 families, was observed. The relatively most frequently naturally regenerating and abundant species were Anogeissus leiocarpa and Combretum hartmannianum. Richness, evenness and diversity of regenerating species were 1.33, 0.82 and 1.7, respectively. One-way ANOVA (α=0.05) of mean regeneration densities disclosed that there were significant differences (F_3,86=16.77, p=0.000) between C2 & C3 (p=0.000) and C2 & C4 (p=0.000). While regeneration of seven tree species were absent, two, two and four species were of good, poor and fair regeneration status, respectively. A comparison of mean density of natural regeneration with that of parent trees reflects a poor regeneration status of the forest. The study provides empirical results on the regeneration status of species and signifies the need for management interventions for species conservation and restoration, maintenance of biodiversity and sustainable production.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.263-270
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• 2012

The objectives of the study were to determine fish fauna and compositions during 2010~2011 in Walpyung Conservation Park along with analysis of fish community structures and trophic and tolerance guilds. Total number of species and individuals sampled were 31 and 2667, respectively and dominant species was Zacco platypus (46.6%) and subdominant species was Acheilognathus lanceolatus (8.7%), which were composed of >50% of the total. Total number of Korean endemic species including Microphysogobio yaluensis was 10 and the proportion of the individuals was 8.7%. Also, natural monument No. 454 of Iksookimia choii, which is endangered species and legal protected species, was sampled and the total number of individuals was only three. According to the analysis of fish community structures, species richness index in the mid-stream reach ($M_r$) was 3.145, which is higher than any other stream reaches ($U_r$ and $D_r$). In contrast, the richness index was 2.180 in the up-stream reach ($U_r$), which is minimum among the sampling sites. Species diversity index was 1.785 and 1.975, respectively in the headwater ($U_r$) and mid-stream reach ($M_r$) and the low values in the down-stream reach ($D_r$, 1.660) were due to the influences of pointsource (i.e., road construction) and non-point sources (sporadic agricultural spots). According to analysis of tolerance guilds, the proportion of tolerant species (TS), based on the number of individuals, was composed of 64.2% and sensitive species (SS) was only 3.3%, indicating a predominance of tolerant fishes in the compositions. The proportion of omnivore species (OS), however, was composed of 64.0% and insectivore species (IS) was 29.3%, indicating a predominance of omnivore fishes in the stream. The high proportions of tolerant and omnivore species in this stream indicates that the water quality and physical habitat environments were degradated in this system. For these reasons, especially natural monument and endemic fish species in this region should be protected from the massive constructions and required to provide efficient stream management strategies.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.63-81
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• 2013

The vascular plants in the Ohseosan and the Bongsusan, Chungnam were listed 439 taxa (9.0% of all 4,881 taxa of vascular plants); 95 families, 268 genera, 339 species, 5 subspecies, 75 varieties and 20 forms. Furthermore, the Ohseosan were listed 339 taxa and the Bongsusan were listed 306 taxa. So, Hemicryptophytes (H) were 107 taxa (24.4%), Therophytes (Th), Geophytes (G) same as were 82 taxa (18.7%) showed high proportional ratio in life form. Based on the list of rare plants, 4 taxa; Aristolochia contorta, Viola albida, Scutellaria insignis (LC) and Scrophularia koraiensis (DD) and endemic plants, 8 taxa; Aconitum pseudolaeve, Ajuga spectabilis, etc. Based on the list of specific plants, 35 taxa; Wisteria floribunda for. floribunda in class IV, 5 taxa (Scutellaria insignis, Scrophularia koraiensis, etc.) in class III, 5 taxa (Acer triflorum, Cymopterus melanotilingia, etc.) in class II, 24 taxa (Pyrus ussuriensis var. ussuriensis, Campanula punctata, etc.) in class I. Based on the list of naturalized plants, 9 families, 20 genera, 24 taxa (Persicaria orientalis, Carduus crispus, etc.) and ecosystem disturbing plants were Rumex acetocella, Ambrosia artemisiifolia. Naturalization rate was 5.5% of all 439 taxa of vascular plants and urbanization index was 7.5% of all 321 taxa of naturalized plants. In particular, for rare plants, in and ex-situ conservation of genetic resources must surely be done, by preserving present natural habitats, discovering additional natural habitats and securing seeds. Moreover, ecosystem disturbing plants require long-term monitoring and consistent management, since not only do they disturb the ecosystem in competition with Korean native species, but damage humans, too.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.503-514
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• 2020

Climate change leads to changes in phenological response and movement of plant habitats. Korea's evergreen broad-leaved forest has widened its distribution area compared for the past 20 years, and the range of its native habitats is moving northward. We analyzed climate indices such as the warmth index, the cold index, the lowest temperature in the coldest month, and the annual average temperature, which are closely related to vegetation distribution, to predict the change in the native habitat of Lauraceae evergreen broad-leaved trees. We also analyzed the change and spatial distribution to identify the habitat climate characteristics of 8 species of Lauraceae evergreen broad-leaved trees distributed in the warm temperate zone in Korea. Moreover, we predicted the natural habitat change in the 21st century according to the climate change scenario (RCP 4.5/8.5), applying the MaxEnt species distribution model. The monthly average climate index of the 8 species of Lauraceae evergreen broad-leaved trees was 116.9±10.8℃ for the temperate index, the cold index 3.9±3.8℃, 1495.7±455.4mm for the annual precipitation, 11.7±3.5 for the humidity index, 14.4±1.1℃ for the annual average temperature, and 1.0±2.1℃ for the lowest temperature of winter. Based on the climate change scenario RCP 4.5, the distribution of the Lauraceae evergreen broad-leaved trees was analyzed to expand to islands of Jeollanam-do and Gyeongsangnam-do, adjacent areas of the west and south coasts, and Goseong, Gangwon-do on the east coast. In the case of the distribution based on the climate change scenario RCP 8.5, it was analyzed that the distribution would expand to all of Jeollanam-do and Gyeongsangnam-do, and most regions except for some parts of Jeollabuk-do, Chungcheongnam-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and the capital region. For the conservation of Lauraceae evergreen broad-leaved trees to prepare for climate change, it is necessary to establish standards for conservation plans such as in-situ and ex-situ conservation and analyze various physical and chemical characteristics of native habitats. Moreover, it is necessary to preemptively detect changes such as distribution, migration, and decline of Lauraceae evergreen broad-leaved trees following climate change based on phenological response data based on climate indicators and establish conservation management plans.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.90-102
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• 2018

Background: We sought to understand the relationship between the seed bank and vegetation in abandoned rice paddies in South Korea, in order to guide management of these sites. We investigated the floristic composition and species richness of the soil seed bank and ground vegetation in former paddies along three seral gradients (wet meadow, young forest, and mature forest) in Gwangneung Forest Biosphere Reserve. Results: Seed bank samples contained 59 species, of which the dominant families were Cyperaceae, Gramineae, and Polygonaceae. Species richness and seedling density (59 taxa and 19,121 germinants from all samples) were high. Carex spp. (11, 921 germinants) were the dominant taxa. The species composition in the seed bank changed gradually as the land transitioned from wet meadow to mature forest. Sørensen's index of similarity between above- and below-ground vegetation was 29.3% for wet meadow, 10.8% for young forest, and 2.1% for mature forest. Germinant density also declined, with 10, 256 germinants for wet meadow, 6445 germinants for young forest, and 2420 germinants for mature forest. Conclusions: Changes in aboveground environment and life history traits such as amphicarpic plants, likely affect the composition of soil seed bank species. Abandoned paddy fields may be good sites for restoration of wetland forest and conservation of wetland habitat. Some intervention may be required to promote the recovery of a natural species assemblage.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.147-152
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• 2016

This study was conducted to develop a technique of ecosystem health assessment on Korea National Parks. The purpose of natural resource monitoring in national parks is to develop scientific information on the current status and long term trends in the composition, structure, and function of park ecosystems, and to determine how well current management practices are sustaining those ecosystems. The evaluation results will reflect in the park conservation and polices and promote the effect and functions of assessment program to the people. Health assessment steps were performed in order the establishing monitoring goals and objectives, development of the conceptual model, frame establishment, determination of indicators, standard and classification and health assessment. Health Indicators were selected the 13 with common, choice and climate indicators. We developed a pictogram and was separated into five colors to health condition, it was divided into three shape for comparison with the past state. Seoraksan, Odaesan National Park has been rated highly but Bukhansan, Kyeryongsan National Park has been underestimated.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.94 no.5 s.162
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• pp.338-341
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• 2005

This study was conducted to describe the differences in artificial nest boxes use of tits between deciduous and coniferous forests at 2nd campus of Chung-Ang University ($37^{\circ}00^{\prime}04^{{\prime}{\prime}}N$, $127^{\circ}13^{\prime}96^{{\prime}{\prime}}E$), Ansung, Korea from January to August 2005. Tree species richness, tree species diversity index (H') and total basal areas were higher in deciduous forest than in coniferous forest. High, middle, low and understory canopy layers were more developed in deciduous forest, except the coverage of bush-ground layer. Varied tit Parus varius, marsh tit P. palustris and great tit P. major used the artificial nest boxes in this study. Number of breeding pairs of tits used artificial nest boxes, clutch size, and weight and size of eggs were higher in deciduous forest than in coniferous forest. The differences in habitat structure between study sites are very likely to have influenced how breeding birds used the available habitat. Artificial nest boxes could be used as management and conservation tool for birds, particularly in areas, where the availability of natural cavities and coverage of higher layer are limited.