• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.120-132
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• 2021

The ecosystem and landscape conservation areas of Seoul were designated according to the Natural Environment Conservation Act and the Natural Environment Conservation Ordinance. With the adoption of the "Rapid Assessment of Wetland Ecosystem Service (RAWES)" approach and the "wetland ecosystem service" for the Ramsar Wetland City Accreditation at the 13th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 2018, the need for data evaluating wetland ecosystem services has become a necessity. Therefore, in this study, we selected five wetlands from the ecosystem and landscape conservation areas in Seoul, having high ecological conservation values, and evaluated their carbon sequestration and economic value assessment using the InVEST model, which is an ecosystem service evaluation technique. The evaluation results for carbon storage in each wetland are as follows: Tancheon Wetland: 3,674.62 Mg; Bamseom Island in the Hangang River: 1,511.57 Mg; Godeok-dong Wetland: 5,007.21 Mg; Amsa-dong Wetland: 7,108.47 Mg; and Yeouido Wetland: 290.27 Mg. Particularly, the Tancheon Wetland showed the lowest carbon sequestration of 1,130.37 Mg, as compared to the results acquired in 2013, of 4,804.99 Mg. When the average effective carbon rate of $16.06 (US) was applied to the decreased carbon sequestration value, a loss of $15,910.58(US) was calculated. Furthermore, if the average social cost of carbon ($204 (US)) is considered, which includes the impact of climate change on productivity and ecosystems, the total loss is equivalent to $202,101.97 (US). This study aims to examine the natural resource value of urban wetlands by evaluating selected major wetlands in Seoul. This study can be utilized as basic data to plan for the protection and management of the ecosystem and landscape conservation areas. Additionally, because wetland value assessment is considered essential, the results of this study can be used in future research to provide measures for evaluating ecosystem services in the Ramsar Wetland City Certification System. Moreover, this study can be utilized for selecting important wetlands as Ramsar sites, and to raise awareness about the significance of conserving urban wetlands, and for expanding international exchange among the Ramsar Wetland sites.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.1-12
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• 2009

The purpose of this research was to propose policy directions for the design and construction of nature-friendly park facilities (PF) in national parks. In order to do that, nature-friendliness evaluation indicators(NEIs) used in green building rating systems and related articles were reviewed. After the initial literature review was complete, NEIs for park facilities based on location, design, construction, operation, and management sectors were developed. Data was obtained through a questionnaire completed by 79 managers at 19 national parks in Korea in 2008. The answers were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, a t-test, a multi-dimensional analysis, and a factor analysis. This research found that: 1) The results indicated that based on relative weight calculation, the location condition was evaluated as the most important; 2) The evaluation results regarding the degree of nature-friendliness of park facilities showed that location condition was ranked higher than design and construction--in addition, the evaluated values of indicators related to energy efficiency were ranked the lowest; 3) the level of nature-friendliness of shelter was given the highest level, but resting facility was the lowest level; 4) Overall, park facilities at Mt. Seorak, Mt. Odae, and Taean Coast national parks showed high levels of nature-friendliness. But park facilities at Mt. Gyeongju and Mt. Songni national parks showed low levels of nature-friendliness. The results of this research shall contribute to the establishment of tailor-made management policies, the development of detailed guidelines for increased energy efficiency and visitor satisfaction, and the preservation of ecosystems and natural resources in Korea's national parks.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.191-197
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• 2020

The purpose of this was to examine the differences of large whopper swan (Cygnus cygnus) in wintering habitat preference among bridge sections of the lower Nakdong River of the Nakdong River Estuary, the largest whopper swan's wintering habitat in Korea. This species is designated and protected as Natural Monument in Korea. The survey was conducted in six time-series during the 2018~2019 wintering season, and it found up to 500 whopper swans were wintering in the lower Nakdong River. For the survey, a seven sections were set up based on the bridges across the river. Whopper swans were rarely observed in five narrow sections where the distance between bridges was less than 2 km. The stable population of the whopper swan was observed only in two broader sections where the distance between bridges was is over 4 km. As these sections were relatively little affected by artificial interference, the distance from the mouth of the Nakdong River was not a factor. Securing a stable space is considered as one of the most important factors for wintering of whopper swans, which are an endangered species. The survey results indicate that the distance between bridges should be at least 4 km to secure the whopper swan's stable habitat. These results are expected to be a reference to the development or restoration of the river ecosystems, especially bridge construction.

• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.89-119
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• 2020

Species invasions have rapidly increased due to the substantial growth of global trade in the recent past. As the awareness of the negative effects on natural ecosystems derived from alien species has grown, many countries and lawmakers have enacted rules and policies on the conservation of indigenous plants. Unfortunately, in Korea, research on species invasion is seriously lacking despite the growing number of alien species. In the current study, we report alien plants that have intentionally and/or unintentionally been introduced in Korea and also presented a checklist of invasive plants found both in the literature and in field surveys. We reviewed all documented records of alien plants, i.e., scientific papers, illustrated books, and annual reports. We also categorized alien plants by origin, time of introduction, naturalization, and the rate of their spread. The results revealed that there are 619 alien plant taxa (96 families, 353 genera, 595 species, 6 subspecies, 11 varieties, 1 forma, and 6 hybrids) occurring in Korea. Among these, 30 taxa are archaeophytes (Arc.), 214 are potentially invasive plants (PIPs), and 375 are invasive alien plants (IAPs). In addition, IAP taxa consist of grades 5 (widespread, WS) to 1 (potential spread, PS) of alien plants according to the rate of spread in Korea. Our results suggested that the number of alien plants is likely to keep growing; thus, the distribution should be regularly monitored and the list of alien plants must be updated.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.296-313
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• 1982

At a time when world population and food supply are in a delicate balance, it is essential that we look at factors to improve this balance. We can alter the environment to better fit the plant's needs, or we can alter the plant to better fit the environment. Improved technology has allowed us to increase the yield level. For moderately detrimental weather events technology has generally decreased the yield variation, yet for major weather disasters the variation has increased. We have raised the upper level, but zero is still the bottom level. As we concentrate the production of particular crops into limited areas where the environment is closest to optimum, we may be increasing the risk of a major weather related disaster. We need to evaluate the degree of variability of different crops, and how weather and technology can interact to affect it. The natural limits of crop production are imposed by important ecological factors. Production is a function of the climate, the soil, and the crop and all activities related to them. In looking at the environment of a crop we must recognize these are individuals, populations and ecosystems. Under intensive agriculture we try to limit the competition to one desired species. The environment is made up of a complex of factors; radiation, moisture, temperature and wind, among others. Plant response to the environment is due to the interaction of all of these factors, yet in attempting to understand them we often examine each factor individually. Variation in crop yields is primarily a function of limiting environmental parameters. Various weather parameters will be discussed, with emphasis placed on how they impact on crop production. Although solar radiation is a driving force in crop production, it often shows little relationship to yield variation. Water may enter into crop production as both a limiting and excessive factor. The effects of moisture deficiency have received much more attention than moisture excess. In many areas of the world, a very significant portion of yield variation is due to variation in the moisture factor. Temperature imposes limits on where crops can be grown, and the type of crop that can be grown in an area. High temperature effects are often combined with deficient moisture effects. Cool temperatures determine the limits in which crops can be grown. Growing degree units, or heat accumulations, have often been used as a means of explaining many temperature effects. Methods for explaining chilling effects are more limited.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.112-126
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• 1991

The atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration is ever-increasing and expected to reach about 600 ppmv some time during next century. Such an increase of $CO_2$ may cause a warming of the earth's surface of 1.5 to 4.5$^{\circ}C$, resulting in great changes in natural and agricultural ecosystems. The climatic scenario under doubled $CO_2$ projected by general circulation model of Goddard Institute for Space Studies(GISS) was adopted to evaluate the potential impact of climate change on agroclimatic resources, net primary productivity and rice productivity in Korea. The annual mean temperature was expected to rise by 3.5 to 4.$0^{\circ}C$ and the annual precipitation to vary by -5 to 20% as compared to current normal climate (1951 to 1980), resulting in the increase of possible duration of crop growth(days above 15$^{\circ}C$ in daily mean temperature) by 30 to 50 days and of effective accumulated temperature(EAT=∑Ti, Ti$\geq$1$0^{\circ}C$) by 1200 to 150$0^{\circ}C$. day which roughly corresponds to the shift of its isopleth northward by 300 to 400 km and by 600 to 700 m in altitude. The hydrological condition evaluated by radiative dryness index (RDI =Rn/ $\ell$P) is presumed to change slightly. The net primary productivity under the 2$\times$$CO_2$ climate was estimated to decrease by 3 to 4% when calculated without considering the photosynthesis stimulation due to $CO_2$ enrichment. Empirical crop-weather model was constructed for national rice yield prediction. The rice yields predicted by this model under 2 $\times$ $CO_2$ climatic scenario at the technological level of 1987 were lower by 34-43% than those under current normal climate. The parameters of MACROS, a dynamic simulation model from IRRI, were modified to simulate the growth and development of Korean rice cultivars under current and doubled $CO_2$ climatic condition. When simulated starting seedling emergence of May 10, the rice yield of Hwaseongbyeo(medium maturity) under 2 $\times$ $CO_2$ climate in Suwon showed 37% reduction compared to that under current normal climate. The yield reduction was ascribable mainly to the shortening of vegetative and ripening period due to accelerated development by higher temperature. Any simulated yields when shifted emergence date from April 10 to July 10 with Hwaseongbyeo (medium maturity) and Palgeum (late maturity) under 2 $\times$ $CO_2$ climate did not exceed the yield of Hwaseongbyeo simulated at seedling emergence on May 10 under current climate. The imaginary variety, having the same characteristics as those of Hwaseongbyeo except growth duration of 100 days from seedling emergence to heading, showed 4% increase in yield when simulated at seedling emergence on May 25 producing the highest yield. The simulation revealed that grain yields of rice increase to a greater extent under 2$\times$ $CO_2$-doubled condition than under current atmospheric $CO_2$ concentration as the plant type becomes more erect.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.455-463
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• 2011

Conventional construction technologies have been continually applied without consideration of its impact to the environment. This resulted to various problems including the negative responses of local citizens that regarded some constructed facilities as aversive facilities causing environmental and hydraulic problems in the urban area, etc. To prevent these problems, therefore, alternative methods should be undertaken. A new approach termed "Low Impact Development (LID)" technology is currently adapted in developed countries around the world. This study aims to investigate the efficiency of the developed small constructed wetland (SCW) with horizontal subsurface flow as a LID technique applicable in urban areas. Two test-bed facilities were constructed and monitoring had been conducted between July 2010 and June 2011. Based on the findings, the removal efficiencies achieved for TSS, $COD_{Cr}$, TN, TP, Total Fe, Total Pb for the SCW-1 were 66, 53, 46, 55, 67 and 50%, respectively. On the other hand, the SCW-2 attained 82, 62, 51, 48, 74 and 42% efficiency for TSS, $COD_{Cr}$, TN, TP, Total Fe, Total Pb, respectively. The results indicated that the removal of particulate matter and heavy metals which are considered as main pollutants from stormwater runoff in urban areas was satisfactory in the system. Therefore, the test-beds proved to be appropriate for the treatment of pollutants in urban landuses such as road, parking lot, etc. The results of this study can contribute to the conservation of aquatic ecosystems and restoration of natural water cycle in the urban areas.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.39 no.1 s.115
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• pp.62-72
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• 2006

Biological health in aquatic environments has been assessed by several approaches using various bio-taxa. Especially, fish has been identified as one of the best ecological indicators for an integrative health assessments in aquatic environments. In this preliminary study, the necropsy-based approach using the Health Assessment Index (Adams et al., 1993; HAI, Blazer, 2000), was employed for the assessments of aquatic environments influenced by effluent water from wastewater disposal plants (WDP) near a urban stream (i.e., Cap-Stream). For the impact analysis from the effluents, we developed 10 metric necropsy-based model including $M_l\;skin,\;M_2\;fin,\;M_3\;thymus,\;M_4\;spleen,\;M_5\;hindgut,\;M_6\;kidney,\;M_7\;liver.\;M_8\;eyes,\;M_9\;gill,\;and\;M_{10}$ pseudobranch. We set up duplicate controls (natural upstream water plus 5 fishes in each control tank) and duplicate treatments (effluent water from the WDP plus 5 fishes in each treatment tank) in the laboratory. Preliminary results showed that HAI values in the controls were zero, indicating an excellent condition by the criteria of HAI, while the HAI values in the treatments ranged between 40 and 150, indicating a poor condition. Also, various health conditions, based on the index of biological integrity (IBI), species richness, tolerance guilds, and trophic guilds supported the HAI approach. The HAI approach, not applied in Korea, not may be used as an surrogate fer ecological health assessment in lotic ecosystems.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.33 no.1 s.108
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• pp.93-108
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• 2005

Fresh Kills is the largest landfill in the world located in the west side of Staten Island, New York. The landfill served as a storage area for New York City's trash for more than 50 years. After years of civilian and political pressure, state and local legislation decided its closure of landfill operation in Fresh Kills in March 2001. Soon after, Department of City Planning announced a Fresh Kills international design com-petition: 'Landfill to Landscape'. The winning entry was promised to be outline for the redevelopment of the 2,200 acre site which the size of three times Central Park. Forty-eight teams representing more than 200 offices from around world submitted proposals, from which six finalists that mostly led by landscape architects were selected. In December 2001, a jury of architects, landscape architects and city officials unanimously selected Field Operations as the winner. The plan, named Lifescape, visualizes the gradual 20-year transformation of the whole Staten Island into a 'natural lifestyle island' recognizing that Staten Island is home to coastal wetlands that shelter one of the most diverse ecosystems in the New York metropolitan area. It suggested that an ecologically reconstituted Fresh Kills could become the center of integrated parks and greenways system on the island otherwise fragmented. The project will be one of the largest and most ambitious undertakings in the metropolis in years developing a complex web of habitats and parklands on top of mountain of trash. This study tries to achieve two goals: One is to provide general explanations on the project, Lifescape, breaking down to its background, geographical context, design concepts and phased development plan. Another is to introduce the unique and innovative design approaches by Field Operations that are different from a conventional landscape architectural attitude. Since this project was well published through many magazines and newspapers, main focus will be upon aspects that differentiate this project from usual landscape projects. Conceptually Lifescape brought provocative notions on nature/culture relationship and the role of urban park as an active agency rather than just a green rest area. Also this project introduced pioneering graphics like plan collage, diagrammatic plan, phasing diagram and photo montage as vehicles conveying information, imagination and provocation. Witnessing the influence of the project gradually in the field of academic and practice in the States, this study is intended to become a constructive reference to similar landscape projects dealing with large and complex urban context in conjunction with restructure of contemporary city.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.242-251
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• 2010

In comparison with other terrestrial ecosystems, rice paddies are unique because they provide the primary food source for over 50% of the world's population, and act as major sources of global methane. The present paper summerizes a long-term field study that combine carbon isotopes, and canopy-scale flux measurements in an irrigated rice paddy, in conjugation with continuous monitoring of environmental, and vegetational factors. Both $CO_2$, and methane fluxes were largely influenced by soil temperature, and moisture conditions, especially across drainage events. Soil-entrapped $CO_2$, and methane showed a gradually increasing trend throughout growing season, but rapidly decreased upon flood water drainage. These variations in flux were well correlated with changes in concentration, and isotope ratio of soil $CO_2$, and methane, and of atmospheric $CO_2$, and methane within, and above the canopy. The isotopic signature of the gas exchange process varied markedly in response to change in contribution of soil respiration, belowground storage, fraction of $CO_2$ recycled, magnitude, and direction of $CO_2$ exchange, transport mechanism, and fraction of methane oxidized. Our results clearly demonstrate that stable isotope analysis can be a useful tool to study underlying mechanisms of gas exchange processes under natural conditions.