• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.33 no.9
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• pp.625-631
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• 2024

This study investigated the effects of two mycorrhizal fungi, Pisolithus tinctorius and Oidiodendron maius, on the growth and age-specific responses of Korean fir (Abies koreana E.H.Wilson) seedlings. The experiment was conducted from March 2020 to March 2023 at the National Institute of Forest Science in Suwon, South Korea to evaluate plant height, root length, root collar diameter, and biomass in the treatment and control groups. Significant growth increases were observed in all treatment groups compared to the control, with the OI (O. maius) treatment demonstratingthe highest growth increase (p < 0.05). In one-year-old seedlings, the PT (P. tinctorius) treatment demonstrated overall higher growth than the OI treatment and control, with PT demonstrating an approximately 1.3 times increase than OI. The PT and OI treatments both exhibited higher growth than the control in the three-year-old seedlings, with less difference between the two treatments than in the one-year-olds. Both the treatments showed approximately 1.8 times more growth than the control in the five-year-old seedlings, and the OI treatment showed approximately 0.5 times more growth than PT. These results confirm that the OI treatment is generally more effective for the growth of Korean fir seedlings. Although the PT treatment was more beneficial in the one-year-old seedlings, OI was more effective in three-year-old and older seedlings. This suggests that early mycorrhizal inoculation has a significant long-term effecton growth, emphasizing the importance of age-specific mycorrhizal applications in forest conservation and restoration strategies.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.321-327
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• 2006

In Korea, there is a growing competitive for water resources between industrial, domestic and agricultural consumer, and the environment as many other OECD countries. The demand on water use is also affecting aquatic ecosystems particularly where withdrawals are in excess of minimum environmental needs for rivers, lakes and wetland habits. OECD developed three indicators related to water use by the agriculture in above contexts : the first is a water use intensity indicator, which is expressed as the quantity or share of agricultural water use in total national water utilization; the second is a water stress indicator, which is expressed as the proportion of rivers (in length) subject to diversion or regulation for irrigation without reserving a minimum of limiting reference flow; and the third is a water use efficiency indicator designated as the technical and the economic efficiency. These indicators have different meanings in the aspect of water resource conservation and sustainable water use. So, it will be more significant that the indicators should reflect the intrinsic meanings of them. The problem is that the aspect of an overall water flow in the agro-ecosystem and recycling of water use not considered in the assessment of agricultural water use needed for calculation of these water use indicators. Namely, regional or meteorological characteristics and site-specific farming practices were not considered in the calculation of these indicators. In this paper, we tried to calculate water use indicators suggested in OECD and to modify some other indicators considering our situation because water use pattern and water cycling in Korea where paddy rice farming is dominant in the monsoon region are quite different from those of semi-arid regions. In the calculation of water use intensity, we excluded the amount of water restored through the ground from the total agricultural water use because a large amount of water supplied to the farm was discharged into the stream or the ground water. The resultant water use intensity was 22.9% in 2001. As for water stress indicator, Korea has not defined nor monitored reference levels of minimum flow rate for rivers subject to diversion of water for irrigation. So, we calculated the water stress indicator in a different way from OECD method. The water stress indicator was calculated using data on the degree of water storage in agricultural water reservoirs because 87% of water for irrigation was taken from the agricultural water reservoirs. Water use technical efficiency was calculated as the reverse of the ratio of irrigation water to a standard water requirement of the paddy rice. The efficiency in 2001 was better than in 1990 and 1998. As for the economic efficiency for water use, we think that there are a lot of things to be taken into considerations to make a useful indicator to reflect socio-economic values of agricultural products resulted from the water use. Conclusively, site-specific, regional or meteorogical characteristics as in Korea were not considered in the calculation of water use indicators by methods suggested in OECD(Volume 3, 2001). So, it is needed to develop a new indicators for the indicators to be more widely applicable in the world.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.127-136
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• 2010

This study is aimed at reviewed and analyzed in order to suggest the improved plans related to natural monuments. The summary of this study is as followings; First, Replacing the current term 'cultural properties', which denotes the meaning of 'goods', we need to devise an new categorization that separates such properties into cultural heritage and natural heritage under the national heritage framework. Second, the designation criteria for natural monuments should be divided into the individual realm for animals and plants respectively, since they are not divided in the current Act. Third, the guidelines for naming of natural monuments should be established with the following new categories in accordance with the clear standards. Fourth, such imbalances require us to give priority to the relatively neglected types and areas. Fifth, as the big and old trees account for more than a half of the designated plants, it is necessary to search out new resources(wet plant communities, seashores, sand dune plant communities, etc.) such as geological resources, mineral springs, hot springs, and fossils that are in danger of completely being exploited and exhausted. While most of the designated animals are protected nationally, the existing designation system is required to protect habitats and breeding places for the systematic and efficient conservation. Sixth, as long as we need to preserve those historical and cultural resources for the future generations from national and global perspectives, we should enhance their values by designating them as natural monuments even though they are protected by other regulations such as the natural environment area. Seventh, as a result of the survey, we found that more budgets and experts in the local governments, more empowered organizations, more active public participation should be provided for the better Natural Monument management in Korea. Eighth, the Lap of Natural Heritage in the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage needs to be developed to the Natural Heritage Institute to conduct the diverse activities such as researches, restoration, exhibition and education programs in a systematic and efficient way. Ninth and the last, major damages to natural monuments can be generally categorized into the artificial one and natural one, respectively. The artificial damages include toxics, soil covering, excessive humidity, fire, construction and management works, unlawful damages, fishing, oil spillage, etc, and the natural ones include lightning, storms(typhoons), heavy snowfalls, damage by insects and diseases, lack of prey, etc. This study will become meaningful in that it proposes specific measures for the improvement of the institutions, designation, and management of natural monuments on the basis of the comprehensive analysis on natural monuments. We wish to leave the other subjects related with this study to the future researches.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.57-65
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• 2016

Maeul-soop(Village forest) is a key element of Korean traditional village landscape historically and culturally. However, a number of Maeul-soops have been lost or declined due to various influences since the modern age. For this Maeul-soop that has a variety of conservation values including historical, cultural and ecological ones, attention and efforts for a systematic conservation and restoration of Maeul-soop are needed. The purpose of the present study is to provide information on ecological restoration and sustainable use and management of Maeul-soops based on component plant species, habitat and location characteristics of 499 Maeul-soops spread throughout Korea. Major six categories of threat factors to Maeul-soop ecosystem were identified and the influence of each factor was evaluated. For the evaluation of weight by threat factors for the influence on the vulnerability of Maeul-soop ecosystem, more three-dimensional analysis was conducted using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) analysis method. In the results of evaluation using AHP analysis method, reduction of area, among six categories, was spotted as the biggest threat to existence of Maeul-soops. Next, changes in topography and soil environment were considered as a threat factor of qualitative changes in Maeul-soop ecosystem. Influence of vegetation structure and its qualitative changes on the loss or decline of Masul-soop was evaluated to be lower than that of changes in habitat. Based on weight of each factor, the figures were converted with 100 points being the highest score and the evaluation of vulnerability of Maeul-soop was conducted with the converted figures. In the result of evaluation of vulnerability of Maeul-soops, grade III showed the highest frequency and a normal distribution was formed from low grade to high grade. 38 Maeul-soops were evaluated as grade I which showed high naturality and 10 Maeul-soops were evaluated as grade V as their maintenance was threatened. Also in the results of evaluation of vulnerability of each Maeul-soop, restoration of Maeul-soop's own area was found as top priority to guarantee the sustainability of Maeul-soops. It was confirmed that there was a need to prepare a national level ecological response strategy for each vulnerability factor of Maeul-soop, which was important national ecological resources.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.169-188
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• 2019

This study was carried out unmanned aerial photography and terrestrial laser scanning to establish digital database on original wall of Gyejoksanseong fortress, and measured ground control points for continuity of the monitoring. It also performed precise examination with the naked eye, unmanned aerial photogrammetry, endoscopy, total station and handy measurement to examine the structural stability of the original walls. The ground control points were considered as a point where visual field can be secured, 3 points were selected around each of the south and north walls. For the right side of the south original wall, aerial photogrammetry was conducted using drones and a deviation analysis of 3-dimensional digital models was performed for short-term monitoring. As a result, the two original walls were almost matched in range within 5mm, and no difference indicating displacement of stones was found, except for partial deviation. Regular monitoring of the areas with structural deformation such as bulging, weak and fracture zone by precisely examining with the naked eye and using high-resolution photo data revealed no distinct change. The inner foundation observed through endoscopy found out that filling stones of the original walls were still remained, while most filling soil was lost. As a result of measuring the total station focusing around the points with structural deformation on the original walls, the maximum displacements of the north and south walls were somewhat high with 6.6mm and 3.8mm, respectively, while the final displacements were relatively stable at below 2.9mm and 1.4mm, respectively. Handy measurement also did not reveal clear structural deformation with displacements below 0.82mm at all points. Even though the results of displacement monitoring on the original walls are stable, it is hard to secure structural stability due to the characteristics of ramparts where sudden brittle fracture occurs. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct conservational scientific diagnosis, precise monitoring, and structural analysis based on the 3-dimensional figuration information obtained in this research.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.343-350
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• 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of immature compost on the amount of nutrient content, heavy metal concentration, and application rate that were used for lettuce cultivation. The characteristics of the two composts (Compost A (CA) was immature compost and Compost B (CB) was mature compost) were evaluated upon mixing with commercial soil at 0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% (w/w). The poor chemical characteristics were appeared by use of immature compost as soil amendment; the 50% and 75% rates were weakly acidic at pH 5.39 and 5.50, respectively. The total carbon content at using of 75% of the immature compost and mature compost increased the most to 14.5 and 6.5% and it significantly increased concentrations of the total nitrogen and phosphorus compared to control. As for 75% mature compost rate increased significantly the concentrations of Cu ($128mg\;kg^{-1}$), Zn ($260mg\;kg^{-1}$), Pb ($0.32mg\;kg^{-1}$) and, Cd ($0.48mg\;kg^{-1}$) compared to control, and the highest As concentration increased significantly at 75% and 50% (6.69 and $6.28mg\;kg^{-1}$) including in 25% immature compost as $6.48mg\;kg^{-1}$. However, all of the high compost rates significantly decreased the shoot biomass of lettuce. The immature compost was potentially amended at an application rate of 25% due to a slight salinity and low risk to heavy metal uptake on lettuce growth. This use may be available if the rate is lower than that used in this trial.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.210-218
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• 2012

This study was carried out to analyze the vegetation properties, soil characteristics and ordination of Bletilla striata population in South Korea. The $Bletilla$ $striata$ population was classified into $Juniperus$ $rigida$ dominant population, $Rhododendron$ $yedoense$ var. $poukhanense$ dominant population, $Rhus$ $javanica$ dominant population, $Bletilla$ $striata$ typical population. $Bletilla$ $striata$ were mainly distributed along the coast of south-western regions of the Korean penninsula and it's population was located at an elevation of 4m to 40m. In the study sites, soil organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphate, exchangeable potassium, exchangeable calcium, exchangeable magnesium, cation exchange capacity and soil pH were 2.38-6.70%, 0.09-0.27%, 1.81-6.85mg/kg, 1.08-1.72$cmol^+/kg$, 3.56-7.71$cmol^+/kg$, 1.52-3.21$cmol^+/kg$, 5.28-16.95$cmol^+/kg$ and 4.60-6.01 respectively. $Rhododendron$ $yedoense$ var. $poukhanense$ dominant population was found in the steep sloped area that has high percentage of organic matter, total nitrogen, cation exchange capacity and pH than other populations. $Rhus$ $javanica$ dominant population was found in the gentle sloped area that has less percentage of organic matter, total nitrogen, cation exchange capacity and pH. $Juniperus$ $rigida$ dominant population and $Bletilla$ $striata$ typical population were found in the medium sloped area that has medium percentage of organic matter, total nitrogen, cation exchange capacity and pH. Current status of $Bletilla$ $striata$ habitats is very vulnerable with local development constantly threatening the species' survival. Thus, concrete conservation plans to protect natural habitats should be set up as soon as possible.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.718-732
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• 2013

The purpose of this study was to provide data for the basic research to found the effective conservation and management plan for the Geumdangsil Pine Forest of Yecheon designated as Natural Monument No. 469. Furthermore, this paper suggest efficient sustainable forest preservation and using. In order to achieve the sustainable forest preservation, this study was to analyse topography, land use, tree growth, soil environment, forest usage and forest management, etc. According to analysis the results, the site area is located in the flatlands where is from 130 to 140 m above sea level. The around forest was transformed into agricultural land. The 565 individuals of Pinus densiflora grows in the forest, whereas, 25 trees was cut down or died. There are signs of 25 stumps. The most of 565 trees' diameter at breast height(DBH) was centerized between 30 cm and 50 cm, moreover, the average life expectancy of trees were 85.4 years. The oldest age of tree was estimated to be 200 years. The Sample trees of rate of branch growth is from 4.3 cm to 5.1 cm per year. The middle branch which is more vigorous growth grow 24.2 cm for 3 years. Moreover, the result of soil physico-chemical properties analysis of 7 plots, 4 categories which is soil organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphoric acid, specific electrical conductance was generally good, however, the 2 categories which is soil pH, exchangeable cation needed improvement. Currently, the site was not pressured by facilities and usage, however, there might be threaten by agriculture such as encroaching on forest. Therefore, there should establish comprehensive ecosystem management such as facility management, visitors management and operation management In this paper considered 4 fields that is ecosystem management, facility management, visitors management and operation management for sustainable management.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.303-309
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• 2008

The physico-chemical properties of the rainfall interception culture (85 sites) and the open field culture soils (85 sites) in the area of Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do were surveyed. Soil textural distribution of the rainfall interception culture and the open field culture soils was 74% and 64% for silt loam, 16% and 35% for loam, and 10% and 1% for clay, respectively. The percentage of aggregate rates was higher in the open field culture soils (60.06%) than rainfall interception culture soils (55.84%). Electrical conductivity, exchangeable cations, and anions in the rainfall interception culture soils were higher than those in open field soils. Specially, accumulated amount of anion in rainfall interception culture soils was remarkably higher 2~3 times than open field culture soils. The results from the analyses of rainfall interception culture soils suggested that the most critical problem is the salts accumulation caused by over-fertilization of chemical fertilizer and compost. Therefore, application rates of chemical fertilizer and compost should be controlled in order to conservation of soil and water for sustainable agriculture.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.485-491
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• 2010

A certified reference material (CRM) of KRISS 109-03-SSD was developed for the analysis of hazardous elements in soil. The target elements were As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn being regulated by the Soil Environment Conservation Act. Starting material was collected from tailing dump of an unworked tungsten mine at Sangdong (Gangwon-do, Korea). The starting material under-went through a series of fabricating process steps of screening, drying, grinding, sieving, blending, bottling, sterilization and was certified according to the ISO Guide 35. Isotope dilution-inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ID-ICP/MS) and instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) were used for the measurement. Homogeneity was tested according to ISO 13528 annex B. The certified values were determined using the results from two different methods or from two independent measurements using a method. Finally, certified values of seven elements of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, nickel and zinc were determined. Mercury did not satisfied the criteria of homogeneity and the result would be provided for information only, together with iron and tungsten. It was also studied, the extractable fraction of elements by aqua regia according to the ISO 11466 protocol being frequently studied for the purpose of environmental monitoring. It was performed as a inter-laboratory study by 6 laboratories of a public institute and universities. Standard deviation among the laboratories was much bigger than the uncertainty of the certified value. The result of inter-laboratory study on the extractable fraction will be provided for information, only.