• Journal of Environmental Policy
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.31-55
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• 2005

Dangsan forests and Rural Community Forests(RCF) have been historical assets for the rural communities of more than 40,000 in Korea and they have provided an identity through the cultural heritage. The Dangsan forests and the RCF are parts of a unique cultural landscape in the rural areas as components of stream landscape. In many cases, the Dangsan forests and the RCF are located close to stream corridors. The objective of this study was to understand the function of the Dangsan forests and the RCF on stream water quality and to evaluate its ecological landscape values. Through the consideration of international concensus and domestic government policy for close-to-nature stream, we could find out that Dangsan forests and RCF's have close relationship with the close-to-nature streams. The water quality of the streams close to the Dangsan forests and the RCF are maintained with local culture. It is also compared to the streams located where Dangsan forests and the RCF are absent. Eight study sites were selected. Water samples were collected at three different locations at each study site. Water samples were analyzed for temperature, pH, total P, total N, dissolved oxygen, EC, BOD, COD and SS. Aquatic invertebrates were observed as water quality indicator species. The results showed that the number of aquatic invertebrate species, GPI, DO, EC, BOD, and SS were significantly improved in stream water due to the presence of the Dangsan forests and the RCF. The role of Dangsan forests and the RCF was evident in the conservation of stream landscape and rural culture as well as in maintaining stream water quality. The management schemes of the streams with Dangsan forests and the RCF's are also suggested.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.81-91
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• 2020

As part of method for ecologically utilizing abandoned paddy, potential of the abandoned paddy as a target site for ex-situ conservation of 9 endangered species of different life form was confirmed by considering the nature of rice paddy. In order to create Dum-bung, a component of traditional Korean rice paddy, a part of the abandoned paddy was modified to change the water environment. The seeds, asexual reproductive and sexually reproductive individuals of each endangerd species were transplanted into the abandoned paddy to observe the survival rate and phenological response for 1 year, and then monitored for 2 years. As a result, Hydrophyte 4 taxa (Euryale ferox, Saururus chinensis, Dysophylla yatabeana, Menyanthes trifoliata), Geophyte taxa 1 (Epilobium hirsutum), and Hemicryptophyte taxa 1 (Cicuta virosa) could be introduced into the abandoned paddy. In particular, Euryale ferox, Dysophylla yatabeana, and Menyanthes trifoliata should be introduced into Dum-bung, and Saururus chinensis, Epilobium hirsutum, and Cicuta virosa should be introduced into paddy wetland. Growth of Euryale ferox and Brasenia schreberi was inhibited by herbaceous species, and the growth of Epilobium hirsutum was inhibited by herbivores. Therefore, in order to help efficient settlement of endangered plants introduced in abandoned paddy, it is necessary to remove herbs that inhibit growth and to manage herbivores. In addition, it is necessary to prevent the collapse of paddy bank by planting on the paddy field trees or herbaceous forming vegetation mat. When using abandoned paddy ecologically, it is effective to diversify the moisture environment by creating a Dum-bung to increase biodiversity.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.381-402
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• 2017

In order to investigate distribution of vascular plants along elevational gradient in the Nodong valley of Gyebangsan, vascular plants of eight sections with 100-meter-high were surveyed from the Auto-camping site (800 m) to the top of a mountain (1,577 m). There were a total of 382 taxa: 89 families, 234 genera, 339 species, 7 subspecies, 34 varieties, and 2 forms. As a result of analyzing the pattern of species richness, it showed a reversed hump-shaped with minimum richness at mid-high elevation. As a result of analyzing habitat affinity types, the proportion of forest species increased with increasing elevation. But, the ruderal species decreased with increasing elevation, and then increased at the top of a mountain. As for the proportion of life forms, the annual herbs gradually decreased with increasing elevation, but it did not appear between 1,300 m and 1,500 m and then increased at the top of a mountain. The trees gradually increased with elevation and decreased from 1,300~1,400 m. The vascular plants divided into four groups by using DCA. The arrangement of each stands was arranged in order from right to left on the I axis according to the elevation. The distribution of vascular plants is determined by their own optimal ranges of vegetation. Also, rise in temperature due to climate change affects the distribution of vascular plants, composition, and diversity. Therefore, continuous monitoring is necessary to confirm ecological and environmental characteristics of vegetation, distribution ranges, changes of habitat. Furthermore, plans for conservation and management based on these data should be prepared according to climate change.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.99-105
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• 2020

Migratory birds use a variety of breeding and wintering sites, and it is particularly important to understand more information on breeding and feeding sites for the conservation and management of endangered species. Black-faced spoonbills (Platalea minor) are an international endangered species distributed in East Asia. The majority of black-faced spoonbills breed on uninhabited islets off the west coast of the Korean Peninsula during the breeding season, and they are distributed in East Asia such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, southern China, Japan, and Jeju island during the winter season. In this study, we used a wild animal location tracking system to analyze and compare home ranges of three black-faced spoonbills spending the post-fledging stage in Gujido islet in Incheon and Chilsando islet in Yeonggwang each in 2015. The tree black-faced spoonbills in Guji islet showed a home range in coastal areas in Hwanghaenam-do and Gangneung-gun. The home range size (mean±SD) was estimated to be 425.49±116.95 ㎢ using 100% MCP, 43.61±18.51 ㎢ using KDE 95%, and 7.46±3.68 ㎢using KDE 50%. The tree black-faced spoonbills in Chilsando islet showed a home range in the Baeksu tidal flat and the Buan Saemangeum area with a size of 99.38±55.29 ㎢ using 100% MCP, 19.87±6.05 ㎢ using KDE 95%, and 1.16±0.53 ㎢ using KDE 50%. The figured indicated that the tree black-faced spoonbills breeding in Gujido islet had a wider home range than those breeding in Chilsando islet. During the post-fledging stage, the home ranges of black-faced spoonbills were mostly breeding in mudflats. Therefore, it is necessary to minimize human intervention, such as the construction of roads and structures and the human access, to protect the habitats during the period.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.68-80
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• 2019

This study is to provide basic data for the user-oriented design for a middle school meditation forest in the future by analyzing the physical environment characteristics of existing middle school meditation forests, the users' utilization behavior, and the degree of the importance satisfaction. For this purpose, 24 evaluation indices based on site characteristics, naturalness, functionality, and the effectiveness of meditation forest sites were selected for analysis of importance satisfaction. We surveyed and analyzed the students and teachers of two middle schools 'A' and 'B' in Gwangju Metropolitan City. The results of this study are as follows. First, the perception and utilization rates of the meditation forests by students was significantly lower than teachers at both schools. 'A' school has a better use and recognition rate than the 'B' school. Second, the purposes of using meditation forests were rest (49.6%), weekday lunchtime (63.6%), with friends (65.0%) or colleagues (60%), and short (less than 10 minutes) rests (68.6%). They preferred flowers (30.0%) and shading plants (28.9%), mainly using shelters (57.9%) and walking trails (37.1%). Third, as a result of the importance of satisfaction analysis, the average score of the 24 items importance (3.81), higher than the satisfaction (3.62). The 24 items positioned in 4 quadrants are as follows: Nine items are in the I quadrant for 'persistent maintenance'. Three items are in the II quadrant for 'priority correction'. Seven items are in the quadrant III for 'low priority in the management and operation'. Five items are in the quadrant IV for 'avoid over effort'. For the comparison of two middle schools' satisfaction, 'A' school satisfaction was higher than 'B' school for 16 items, which showed a statistically significant difference. It is believed that the users in 'A' school are more satisfied than 'B' school because it has more forests and trails, better accessibility, and a variety of plant types and planting areas in the A school meditation forest. The results of the overall satisfaction analysis showed a significant difference between 'A' school (68.0%) and 'B' school (47.2%) as 'A' school has better shelters and trails. The rankings of the most satisfying space are walking trails (1st place) and shelters (2nd place). The reason for the highest satisfaction was for rest (stress relief and emotional support) in both 'A' and 'B' schools.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.33 no.5_2
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• pp.699-708
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• 2017

The present study was to develop an approach for predicting soybean yield using a crop growth simulation model at the regional level where the detailed and site-specific information on cultivation management practices is not easily accessible for model input. CROPGRO-Soybean model included in Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) was employed for this study, and Illinois which is a major soybean production region of USA was selected as a study region. As a first step to predict soybean yield of Illinois using CROPGRO-Soybean model, genetic coefficients representative for each soybean maturity group (MG I~VI) were estimated through sowing date experiments using domestic and foreign cultivars with diverse maturity in Seoul National University Farm ($37.27^{\circ}N$, $126.99^{\circ}E$) for two years. The model using the representative genetic coefficients simulated the developmental stages of cultivars within each maturity group fairly well. Soybean yields for the grids of $10km{\times}10km$ in Illinois state were simulated from 2,000 to 2,011 with weather data under 18 simulation conditions including the combinations of three maturity groups, three seeding dates and two irrigation regimes. Planting dates and maturity groups were assigned differently to the three sub-regions divided longitudinally. The yearly state yields that were estimated by averaging all the grid yields simulated under non-irrigated and fully-Irrigated conditions showed a big difference from the statistical yields and did not explain the annual trend of yield increase due to the improved cultivation technologies. Using the grain yield data of 9 agricultural districts in Illinois observed and estimated from the simulated grid yield under 18 simulation conditions, a multiple regression model was constructed to estimate soybean yield at agricultural district level. In this model a year variable was also added to reflect the yearly yield trend. This model explained the yearly and district yield variation fairly well with a determination coefficients of $R^2=0.61$ (n = 108). Yearly state yields which were calculated by weighting the model-estimated yearly average agricultural district yield by the cultivation area of each agricultural district showed very close correspondence ($R^2=0.80$) to the yearly statistical state yields. Furthermore, the model predicted state yield fairly well in 2012 in which data were not used for the model construction and severe yield reduction was recorded due to drought.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.895-906
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• 2015

This study was carried out to the structure of plant community from Sinseongam to Jungdaesa in Odaesan National Park, furthermore, it seeks to curate the basic data for planning of the Abies holophylla's forest management in Odaesan National Park. In order to identify the current ecological environment, this study explored the actual vegetation as primary research and set to twenty plots(i.e. $400m^2$) for analysing detailed structure of plant communities. The research methodology was qualitative analysis, therefore it used TWINSPAN and DCA analysis tools. Especially, TWINSPAN performed well in several comparisons of classification techniques, DCA is one of the ordination technique showed that the plant communities. The plant community was analysed classification and ordination by TWINSPAN and DCA, moreover it was analysed the structure of plant community such as importance percentage of woody species, DBH class distribution, the index of diversity and rate of sample tree growth. The main vegetation was A. holophylla-Quercus mongolica forest and Deciduous broad-leaved forest in the communities where located in low altitude and valley, whereas main vegetation where located in high altitude and slope was Q. mongolica forest. The research site's plant communities were classified four groups. In all of communities, A. holophylla was dominant species in main canopy layer, furthermore, the three communities (community I, II, III) are growing up next generation of A. holophylla excluding community IV. The communities (community I, II, III) can be sustained current status which dominates the A. holophylla communities, simultaneously, there might be expanded the Deciduous broad-leaved communities by Carpinus cordata, Betula schmidtii and so on. While, it showed that the community IV tended to be weaken the forces of A. holophylla, therefore the community IV can be transferred to C. cordata-Deciduous broad-leaved communities in the future. The age of sample trees was 79~128(i.e. A. holophylla), 75~87(i.e. Pinus koraiensis) and 190 years(i.e. Ulmus davidiana var. japonica). The index of Shannon's Species diversity (H') were ranged from 0.3889 to 1.3332 in the communities.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.73-81
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• 2008

The purpose of this study is to create a database of the use of landscape greenery that surrounds commercial buildings in Seoul. The method of this study was: to review preceding studies and related laws, survey areas, measure trees, and analyze the results. The 20 representative sites were specifically investigated to measure the width, direction, and environment of planting conditions. To analyze the greens adjacent to the building, the greens were divided into three types: front greenery, side greenery, and rear greenery. The study surveyed the distance from trees to adjacent buildings, and their planting conditions. The results of this study are as follows. First, 45% of the front greenery and 30% of the rear greenery were not established, but 19 of the 20 side greens were. Second, 13 of the 44 green areas adjacent to commercial buildings were under 1m in width. Most side greenery was belt -shape and unrelated to the features of the site or building. Third, the average distance from trees to buildings was 0.76m, indicating that most trees were planted too close to the buildings. Fourth, of the 30 trees utilized, the species breakdown was: 8 evergreen trees, 15 deciduous trees, and 7 shrubs. For the most part, planting patterns were similar for all species. Fifth, most sites were ill-suited to tree growth, because crown shape, planting conditions, and light conditions, etc., had not been considered. Based on these results, it is suggested that more specific, subdivided standards for planting conditions should be established. For example, building plans should include a green area that is at least one meter in width. In addition, according to the location and type(closing/opening) of the greenery adjacent to the buildings, suitable management programs and supervision protocol should be adopted.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.235-250
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• 2021

The overarching question of this study is how a typical rice cultivation system in Gimje, Korea was keeping up with the triple-win challenge of climate-smart agriculture (CSA). To answer this question, we have employed (1) quantitative data from direct measurement of energy, water, carbon and information flows in and out of a rice cultivation system and (2) appropriate metrics to assess production, efficiency, GHG fluxes, and resilience. The study site was one of the Korean Network of Flux measurement (KoFlux) sites (i.e., GRK) located at Gimje, Korea, managed by National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration. Fluxes of energy, water, carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) were directly measured using eddy-covariance technique during the growing seasons of 2011, 2012 and 2014. The production indicators include gross primary productivity (GPP), grain yield, light use efficiency (LUE), water use efficiency (WUE), and carbon uptake efficiency (CUE). The GHG mitigation was assessed with indicators such as fluxes of carbon dioxide (F_CO2), methane (F_CH4), and nitrous oxide (F_N2O). Resilience was assessed in terms of self-organization (S), using information-theoretic approach. Overall, the results demonstrated that the rice cultivation system at GRK was climate-smart in 2011 in a relative sense but failed to maintain in the following years. Resilience was high and changed little for three year. However, the apparent competing goals or trade-offs between productivity and GHG mitigation were found within individual years as well as between the years, causing difficulties in achieving the triple-win scenario. The pursuit of CSA requires for stakeholders to prioritize their goals (i.e., governance) and to practice opportune interventions (i.e., management) based on the feedback from real-time assessment of the CSA indicators (i.e., monitoring) - i.e., a purpose-driven visioneering.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.207-217
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• 2023

This study was conducted to investigate the current status of seagrass species in the Nakdong River estuary from May to June 2023. To survey the seagrass habitat area, the Nakdong River estuary was divided into seven zones. Aerial photography using drones was conducted to find seagrass areas, GPS tracking was carried out on foot in the intertidal zone and by boat and SCUBA diving in the subtidal zone. To analyze the seagrass status, we measured the morphological characteristics, shoot density, and biomass of representative seagrass species in each zone. Four seagrass species were found in this area: Zostera japonica, Z. marina, Ruppia maritima, and Phyllospadix japonicus. The distribution areas of each species was 338.2 ha, 92.9 ha, 0.9 ha, and 1.4 ha, respectively, with a total area of 432.5 ha. Z. japonica was widely distributed in most of the tidal flats and mudflats of the Nakdong River estuary, while Z. marina was restricted to Nulcha-do, Jinu-do, and Dadae-dong. R. maritima occurred within the habitat of Z. japonica in Eulsukdo and Myeongji mudflats, and P. japonicus inhabited rocky areas in Dadae-dong. The shoot density of each species was 4,575.8±338.3 shoots m^-2, 244.8±12.0 shoots m^-2, 11,302.1±290.0 shoots m^-2, and 2862.5±153.5 shoots m^-2, respectively. The biomass of each species was 239.7±18.5 gDW m^-2, 362.3±20.5 gDW m^-2, 33.3±1.2 gDW m^-2, and 1,290.0±37.0 gDW m^-2, respectively. The results of this study revealed that Z. japonica was dominant in the Nakdong River estuary. In particular, Z. japonica habitats of Eulsukdo, Daema-deung, and Myeongji mudflats were identified as the largest in Korea. The Nakdong River estuary is an important site of ecological, environmental, and economic value, and will require continuous investigation and management of the native seagrasses.