• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.36-47
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• 2009

Microbial and related biochemical mass of composts are important for optimization of its process and end-products. This study was carried out to assess the specific microbial and related biochemical mass which could be used as an indicator for compost maturity during composting stages. The samples from five compost plants were collected at three stages (Initial, Thermophilic and Mature) and analyzed for total aerobic bacteria (TAB), Coliforms, Escherichia coli, Actinomycetes and fungi. Significantly, the coliforms and E.coli counts decreased during the thermophilic stage and were completely eliminated during mature stage. However, the other microbial mass were completely eliminated during mature stage. Which disclosed that Coliforms and E.coli communities can be used as compost maturity indicator. Interestingly, the microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen ratio (MBC/MBN) were decreased a little during the thermophilic stage due to the decreasing number of coliforms, Ecoli and fungi, while the ratio increased during the mature stage due to increasing fungal and aerobic bacterial counts. In addition the heavy metals were shown strong negative correlation with Actenomycetes. This study provides insight to the evaluation of compost maturity as well as the quality by the metal-microbial interactions.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.149-154
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• 2012

The adsorption and desorption behavior of biofilter-medium was investigated on the performance of an adsorption column. Continuous flow-isothermal adsorption experiments were performed to treat waste air containing such a VOC as ethanol under the same condition of > 90% relative humidity as the condition of the feed to a biofilter process. In case of feeding waste air containing ethanol of 1,000 ppmv (or 2,050 mg ethanol/$m^3$) to the adsorption system at the rate of 2 L/min, the onsets of its breakthrough and reaching the state of dynamic equilibrium at the exit had been delayed 10 and 3 times, respectively, later than those at the 1st stage sampling port. Moreover, in case of 2,000 ppmv (or 4,100 mg ethanol/$m^3$), they had been delayed 9 and 3 times, respectively. Thus, regardless of feeding concentration, the ratios of delaying period were observed to be quite consistent each other at the exit of the adsorption column. With regard to the period of desorption, the ratios of delaying period were consistent each other to be 1.5 for both cases. In addition, the effect of microbial activity and sterilization-process was studied on adsorption equilibrium. The ethanol concentration in the vapor phase of vials packed with sterilized granular activated carbon (GAC) was quite consistent to that with unsterilized GAC. However, the ethanol concentrations in the vapor phase of vials packed with unsterilized compost and the unsterilized mixture of GAC and compost were higher than those with sterilized compost and the sterilized mixture of GAC and compost, respectively.

• Proceedings of the Korean Environmental Health Society Conference
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• 2005.06a
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• pp.406-409
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• 2005

Since 2003, Korean government has restricted landfill application of organic waste, which shares approximately 56% of total waste sludge from municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants. In addition, enforcement of the ocean disposal prohibition law is effective from 2005. Organic sludge was composted for the purpose of converting to organic fertilizer. After moisture content was regulated with bulking agents aerobic treatment performed. When composting was conducted, commercial and activated microbe materials, identified from soil were seeded in sewage sludge. Carbon dioxide production was increased sharply after 24 hours. Temperature and pH of compost reached to $66.2^{\circ}C$ and 8. Heavy metals were lower than their regulatory limits, which enable it to utilize as organic fertilizer.

• Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.47-57
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• 2014

The aim of this paper was to study the effect of five different waste combinations (C/N 15, C/N 20, C/N 25, C/N 30, and control) of sewage sludge coupled with sawdust and cattle manure in a pilot scale rotary drum reactor, during 20 days of the composting process. Our results showed that C/N 30 possesses a higher temperature regime with higher % reduction in moisture content, total organic carbon, soluble biochemical oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand; and higher % gain in total nitrogen and phosphorus at the end of the composting period implying the total amount of biodegradable organic material is stabilized. In addition, $CO_2$ evolution and oxygen uptake rate decreased during the process, reflecting the stable behavior of the final compost. A Solvita maturity index of 8 indicated that the compost was stable and ready for usage as a soil conditioner. The results indicated that composting can be an alternate technology for the management of sewage sludge disposal.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.484-489
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• 2003

It is well known that root distribution of rice is a crucial factor for nutrient absorbtion and affect by soil fertility management. However, the findings on root distribution are limited due to laborious and tedious work. The characteristics of root distribution were investigated in long-term fertilizer experiment plots that were established in paddy soil, a fine silty family of typic Hal-paqueps (Pyeongtaeg series) in 1967. fertilizer experiment plots of no fertilizer, compost, NPK and NPK+compost plot have been maintained consistently for the past thirty six year and Npk+silicate plot for the past twenty two years. In NPK plot, 150kg N (urea), 100kg -$\textrm{P}_2\textrm{O}_5$ (fused phosphate) and 100kg $\textrm{K}_2\textrm{O}$(potassium chloride) per hectare have been applied. For NPK+silicate plot, 500kg $\textrm{Si}\textrm{O}_2$ (silicate) was applied in addition to fertilizer in NPK plot. For the compost plot, 10,000kg rice straw compost per hectare were applied. Root samples were taken from the positions of hill-center (below hill) and mid-point of four adjacent rice hills at heading stage by cylinder monolith (CM) method. The soil cores were sampled 20cm depth from the soil surface and partitioned four into layers at an interval of 5cm. The soil particles surrounding roots were washed out with tap water, Length and weight of the roots in each soil layer were measured and root length density (RLD), root weight density (RWD), specific root length(SRL) and rooting depth index (RDI) were calculated. Total root length was measured by intersection method. Plant height, tiller and shoot dry weight were the highest in NPK+compost plot. But RLD of hill-center soil cores was the highest in no-fertilizer plots. In the soil cores from mid-point position of four adjacent hills, RLD at 15-20cm soil depth was higher in compost plot than NPK plot. RLD in compost plots showed even distribution compared to those in chemical- fertilizer plots. RWD was the highest in the NPK+compost plot. SRL was the lowest in the NPK+silicate plot. RDI was the highest in the compost plot. Also, in this experiment it was found that the distribution of roots was closely related to the physical properties of the soil as affected by fertilization management.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.354-361
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• 2008

In this study, we analyzed nutrient cycling structure of a small farm (cattle of 100 heads and arable lands of 2.5 ha) in Jeonnam province to investigate the effects of nutrients input by the addition of bedding materials (sawdust and rice hull) and nutrients loss before the application to the soils (the period during manure storage in the feedlot and composting process) on nutrient cycling structure. Sawdust and rice hull added as bedding materials increased N by 1.6% and 14.2% and $P_2O_5$ by 3.1% and 27.4%, respectively, relative to the amount of nutrients produced by excretion. This result suggests that the addition of nutrients via bedding materials should be considered for better estimation of nutrient balance. The most significant characteristics of the nutrient cycling structure was loss of mass and nutrients during the storage (21 days) and composting period (90 days). During this period, 78.4% of N and 9.5% of $P_2O_5$ was lost from sawdust compost; meanwhile, the percentages of loss for rice hull compost were 81.6% and 10.3%, respectively. A lower percentage of nutrients loss in sawdust compost than that in rice hull compost was attributed to the relatively slow decomposition rate of organic materials in the sawdust compost which has higher C/N ratio and lignin contents. Therefore, it was concluded that estimation of nutrient balance should be conducted based on nutrient contents in the final compost being applied to the lands rather than the amount of nutrients contained in the livestock excretion. In addition, the effects of bedding materials on nutrient losses should be also taken into account.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.269-273
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• 2007

Occurrence of malodor could cause adverse impacts on human health and increase public interest. Therefore, scientific methods to decrease odor is required. Endeavor to decrease odor from compost however has not fully been successful. The purpose of this research is assessment of some amendments to reduce $NH_3$ from immature composts. Calcium hydroxide was applied to composts due to it's characteristics to increase pH. Activated carbon and zerovalent iron (ZVI) were selected because of their adsorption properties. The research results were as follows: Calcium hydroxide, activated carbon, zerovalent iron increased the composting temperature above $60^{\circ}C$. The addition of calcium hydroxide, activated carbon, and ZVI to compastry process increased pH 8.6 - 8.8 from $1^{st}$ day to $14^{th}$ day. During the 14 days of composting, addition of calcium hydroxide, activated carbon and ZVI changed EC from $2.15-0.66dS\;m^{-1}$, $1.48-1.11dS\;m^{-1}$, respectively and $1.77-0.68dS\;m^{-1}$. The difference in EC of the compost was due to irregularities of samples. Organic matter in the compost decreased through out theexcept control. The $NH_4-N/NO_3-N$ ratio of all experimental compost increased through the process. The addition of activated carbon, calcium hydroxide and ZVI decreased $NH_3$ from 0.1ppm, 0.7ppm and 1.7ppm more than the control (pig manure and sawdust), 9.3ppm, in 30 days of composting. In conclusion, odor from prematured compost decreased by addition of chemicals like calcium hydroxide, activated carbon, zerovalent iron. Moreover, use of these $NH_3$ reducers alone or together combined at different periods of composting etc. could decrease $NH_3$.

• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.47-55
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• 2016

The purpose of this study was to control root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita on pumpkin seedling with 10%, 20% coffee ground compost and 1% plant velvet bean powder (plain skin bean, leopard skin bean, hole plant, bean pod). Among the root-knot nematode insecticide treatments, the velvet bean plant powder was the highest mortality rate with 83.2% in greenhouse condition. In addition, the root-knot nematode second juvenile mortality significantly increased with the lapse of processing time for each concentration of leopard skin velvet bean extract in vivo. After 24 hours, the mortality rate of root-knot nematode showed the highest at 1.2% and 2.4% of leopard skin velvet bean extract. The growth promoting effect of seedlings pumpkin, 20% of coffee ground compost treatments inhibited the growth of pumpkin seedlings and 1% the tiger pattern velvet beans powder was the most to promote the growth of pumpkin seedlings. However, the results indicated that the organic materials of velvet beans and coffee ground compost are expected to be able to effectively control the root-knot nematode and further studies will be needed for the concentration and application methods.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.52-59
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• 2013

This study was carried out to develop the proper cultivation methods of Brachythecium rivulare and Myuroclada maximowiczii which showed high-value for the interior landscaping and potting. Growth of two moss species cultivated in the compost covered with cloth was vigorous compared to that grown in containers only using cloth or compost, and their harvesting processes were easier. The growth and harvest easiness of mosses cultivated in compost were great rather than in bark or peatmoss. Compared to division, the spray of crushed mosses using mixer was effective for both gametophyte generation and their harvesting processes. In addition, the optimum inoculum for each container ($27{\times}17{\times}3cm$) was 2.0 g in B. rivulare and 4.0 g in M. maximowiczii. Overall growth of B. rivulare treated with nutrient solution (N:P:K=20:20:20) was inhibited compared to control, fresh-weight gain was reduced toward the higher concentration. But fresh-weight gain of M. maximowiczii was the highest with $0.25g{\cdot}L^{-1}$ treatment. Therefore, adequate moisture supply, after spraying crushed mosses (2.0 and 4.0 g each) in the compost covered with cloth, were the appropriate cultivation methods for B. rivulare and M. maximowiczii. Nutrient solution treatment with low concentration, during the cultivation period, would be the proper way only for M. maximowiczii.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.13-73
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• 1979

These studies were conducted to investigate nutrient sources and supplementary materials of synthetic compost media for Agaricus bisporus culture. Investigation were carried out to establish the optimum composition for compost of Agaricus bisporus methods of out-door fermentation and peakheating with rice straw as the main substrate of the media. The incidence and flora of harmful organisms in rice straw compost and their control were also studied. 1. When rice straw was used as the main substrate in synthetic compost as a carbon source. yields were remarkably high. Fermentation was more rapid than that of barley straw or wheat straw, and the total nitrogen content was high in rice straw compost. 2. Since the morphological and physico-chemical nature of Japonica and Indica types of rice straw are greatly dissimilar. there were apparent differences in the process of compost fermentation. Fermentation of Indica type straw proceeded more rapidly with a shortening the compost period, reducing the water supply, and required adding of supplementary materials for producing stable physical conditions. 3. Use of barley straw compost resulted in a smaller crop compared with rice straw. but when a 50%, barley straw and 50% rice straw mixture was used, the yield was almost the same as that using only rice straw. 4. There were extremely high positive correlations between yield of Agaricus bisporus and the total nitrogen, organic nitrogen, amino acids, amides and amino sugar nitrogen content of compost. The mycerial growth and fruit body formation were severely inhibited by ammonium nitrogen. 5. When rice straw was used as the main substrate for compost media, urea was the most suitable source of nitrogen. Poor results were obtained with calcium cyanamide and ammonium sulfate. When urea was applied three separate times, nitrogen loss during composting was decreased and the total nitrogen content of compost was increased. 6. The supplementation of organic nutrient activated compost fermentation and increased yield of Agaricus bisporus. The best sources of organic nutrients were: perilla meal, sesame meal, wheat bran and poultry manure, etc. 7. Soybean meal, tobacco powder and glutamic acid fermentation by-products which were industrial wastes, could be substituted for perilla meal, sesame meal and wheat bran as organic nutrient sources for compost media. B. When gypsum and zeolite were added to rice straw. physical deterioration of compost due to excess moisture and caramelization was observed. The Indica type of straw was more remarkable in increase of yield of Agricus bisporus by addition of supplementing materials than Japonica straw. 9. For preparing rice straw compost, the best mixture was prepared by 10% poultry manure, 5% perilla meal, 1. 2 to 1. 5% urea and 1% gypsum. At spring cropping, it was good to add rice bran to accelerate heat generation of the compost heap. 10. There was significantly high positive correlation (r=0.97) between accumulated temperature and the decomposition degree of compost during outdoor composting. The yield was highest at accumulated temperatures between 900 and $1,000^{\circ}C$. 11. Prolonging the composting period brought about an increase in decomposition degree and total nitrogen content, but a decrease in ammonium nitrogen. In the spring the suitable period of composting was 20 to 25 days. and about 15 days in autumn. For those periods, the degree of decomposition was 19 to 24%. 12. Compactness of wet compost at filling caused an increase in the residual ammonium nitrogen. methane and organic acid during peak heating. There was negative correlation between methane content and yield (r=0.76)and the same was true between volatile organic acid and yield (r=0.73). 13. In compost with a moisture content range between 69 to 80% at filling. the higher the moisture content, the lower the yield (r=0.78). This result was attributed to a reduction in the porosity of compost at filling the beds. The optimum porosity for good fermentation was between 41 and 53%. 14. Peak heating of the compost was essential for the prevention of harmful microorganisms and insect pests. and for the removal of excess ammonia. It was necessary to continue fer mentatiion for four days after peak heating. 15. Ten species of fungi which are harmful or competitive to Agaricus bisporus were identified from the rice compost, including Diehliomyces microsporus, Trichoderma sp. and Stysanus stemoites. The frequency of occurrance was notably high with serious damage to Agaricus bisporus. 16. Diehliomyces microsporus could be controlled by temperature adjustment of the growing room and by fumigating the compost and the house with Basamid and Vapam. Trichoderma was prevented by the use of Bavistin and Benomyl. 17. Four species of nematodes and five species of mites occured in compost during out-door composting. These orgnanisms could be controlled through peakheating compost for 6 hours at $60^{\circ}C$.