• Title/Summary/Keyword: nitrogen and phosphorus

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An Evaluation of Aquatic Environment in the Okchon Stream-Embayment Watershed, Korea (옥천천 (만) 유역 하천과 만입부의 수환경 평가)

  • Kim, Dong-Sup;Lee, Hye-Keun;Maeng, Sung-Jin;Hwang, Soon-Jin;Shin, Jae-Ki
    • Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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    • v.36 no.2 s.103
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    • pp.181-190
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    • 2003
  • An investigation was conducted on the aquatic environment of the Okchon Stream watershed six times from May to September 2002. The results of investigation revealed that variation of environmental factors were quite significant for each stream and reach, showing a significant difference between running water and stagnant water. Aquatic nutrients were relatively low in the upstream, gradually increasing as the influx of treated wastewater into the stream increased. This suggests that the point source definitely affected the nutrient content of the stream. In particular, the variations of SRP and $NH_4$ were very distinct in the watershed compared to other nutrients. Thus, it can be considered as a major factor in evaluating the effect of treated wastewater. Immediately after the influx of treated waste-water, the average content of SRP rose to 919.3 ${\mu}g$ P/l. This was a very effective level in the watershed, suggesting that the percentage of the nutrients in the water was controlled by the content of P. The constant supply of treated wastewater was found to be a critical factor in triggering the increase in chl-a in the embayment of the stream. With the proliferation of the blue-green algae, the content of chl- a ranged 234.5${\sim}$1,692.2 ${\mu}g/l$. The maximum standing crops exceeded $1.0{\times}10^6$ cells/ml in August, which was more than 200 times the level for red tide in the freshwater. This result was well reflected in other environmental factors, with 100% of AFDM/TSS reflecting the severity of water pollution by algae. Therefore, the reduction of P and N con-tents in the treated wastewater is critical in improving the aquatic environment of the stream as well as water quality management for the reservoir.

Physiological and Ecological Studies on the Low Temperature Damages of Rice (Oryza sativia L.) (수도의 저온장해에 관한 생리 생태학적 연구)

  • 오윤진
    • KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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    • v.26 no.1
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    • pp.1-31
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    • 1981
  • Experiments were conducted to investigate rice varietal response to low water and air temperatures at different growth stages from 1975 to 1980 in a phytotron in Suweon and in a cold water nursery in Chooncheon. Germination ability, seedling growth, sterility of laspikelets, panicle exertion, discoloration of leaves, and delay of heading of recently developed indica/japonica cross(I/J), japonica, and indica varieties at low air temperature or cold water were compared to those at normal temperature or natural conditions. The results are summarized as follows: 1. Practically acceptable germination rate of 70% was obtained in 10 days after initiation of germination test at 15\circ_C for japonica varieties, but 15 days for IxJ varieties. Varietal differences in germination ability at suboptimal temperature was greatest at 16\circ_C for 6 days. 2. Cold injury of rice seedlings was most severe at the 3.0-and 3.5-leaf stage and it was reduced as growth stage advanced. A significant positive correlation was observed between cold injury at 3-leaf stage and 6-leaf stage. 3. At day/night temperatures of 15/10\circ_C seedlings of both japonica and I/J varieties were dead in 42 days. At 20/15\circ_C japonica varieties produced tillers actively, but tillering of I/J varieties was retarded a little. At 25/15\circ_C, both japonica and I/J varieties produced tillers most actively. Increase in plant height was proportional to the increase in all varieties. 4. In I/J varieties the number of differentiated panicle rachis branches and spikelets was reduced at a day-night temperature of 20-15\circ_C compared to 25-20 or 30-25\circ_C, but not in japonica varieties although panicle exertion was retarded at 20-15\circ_C. The number of spikelets was not correlated with the number of primary rachis branches, but positively correlated with that of secondary rachis branches. 5. Heading of rice varieties treated with 15\circ_C air temperature at meiotic stage was delayed compared to that at tillering stage by 1-3 days and heading was delayed as duration of low temperature treatment increased. 6. At cold water treatment of 17\circ_C from tillering to heading stage, heading of japonica, I/J, and cold tolerant indica varieties was delayed 2-6, 3-9, and 4-5 days, respectively, Growth stage sensitive to delay of heading delay at water treatment were tillering stage, meiotic stage, and booting tage in that order, delay of heading was greater in indica corssed japonica(Suweon 264), japonica(Suweon 235), and cold tolerant indica(Lengkwang) varieties in that order. Delay of heading due to cold water treatment was positively correlated with culm length reduction and spikelet sterility. 7. Elongation of culms and exertion of panicles of rice varieties treated with low air temperature 17\circ_C. Culm length reduction rate of tall varieties was lower than that of short statured varieties at low temperature. Panicle exertion was most severaly retarded with low temperature treatment at heading stage. Generally, retardation of panicle exertion of 1/1 varieties was more severe than that of japonica varieties at low temperature. There was a positive correlation between panicle exertion and culm length at low temperature. 8. The number of panicles was increased with cold water treatment at tillering stage, but reduced at meiotic stage. As time of cold water treatment was conducted at earlier growth stage, culm length was shorter and panicle exertion poorer. 9. Sterility of all rice varieties was negligible at 17\circ_C for three days but 30.3-85.2% of strility was observed for nine-day treatment at 17\circ_C. Among the tested varieties, sterility of Suweon 264 and Milyang 42 was highest and that of Suweon 290 and Suweon 287 was lowest. The most sensitive growth stage to low temperature induced sterility was from 15 to 5 days before heading. There was positive correlation between sterility of rice plants treated with low temperature at meiotic and heading stage. 10. Percentage of spikelet sterility was greatest at cold water treatment at meiotic stage (auricle distance -15~-10cm) and it was higher in 1/1 (Suweon 264, Joseng tongil), japonica (Nongbaek, Towada), and cold tolerance indica(Lengkwang) varieties in the order. Level of cold water and position of young-ear affected on the sterility of varieties at meiotic stage; percentage of spikelet sterility of variety, Lengkwang, of which young-ear was located above the cold water level was high, but that of short statured variety, Suweon 264, of which young-ear was located in the cold water was lower. 11. Percentage of ripened grains was not reducted at 15\circ_C air temperature for three days at full heading stage in all varieties. However, at six-day low temperature treatment Suweon 287, Suweon 264 showed percentage of ripended grains lower than 60%, but at nine-day low temperature treatment all varieties showed percentage of ripened grains lower than 60%. Low temperature treatment of 17\circ_C from 10 days after heading for 20 days did not affect on the ripening of all varieties. 12. Uptake of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in whole plants was higher at average air temperature of 25\circ_C, but concentration of the elements was lower compared to those at 19\circ_C. However, both total uptake and concentration of manganese were higher at 19\circ_C compared to 25\circ_C. 13. Higher application of nitrogen, phosphorus, silicate, and compost increased yield of rice due to increased number of panicles and spike let fertility in cold water irrigated paddy.

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Studies on Nutrio-physiological Response of Rice Plant to Root Environment (근부환경(根部環境)에 따른 수도(水稻)의 영양생리적(營養生理的) 반응(反應)에 관(關)한 연구(硏究))

  • Park, J.K.;Kim, Y.S.;Oh, W.K.;Park, H.;Yazawa, F.
    • Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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    • v.2 no.1
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    • pp.53-68
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    • 1969
  • The nutriophysiological response of rice plant to root environment was investigated with eye observation of root development and rhizosphere in situation. The results may be summarized as follows: 1) The quick decomposition of organic matter, added in low yield soil, caused that the origainal organic matter content was reached very quickly, in spite of it low value. In high yield soil the reverse was seen. 2) In low yield soil root development, root activity and T/R value were very low, whereas addition of organic matter lowered them still wore. This might be contributed to gas bubbles around the root by the decomposition of organic matter. 3) Varietal difference in the response to root environment was clear. Suwon 82 was more susceptible to growth-inhibitine conditions on low-yield soil than Norin 25. 4) Potassium uptake was mostly hindered by organic matter, while some factors in soil hindered mostly posphorus uptake. When the organic matter was added to such soil, the effect of them resulted in multiple interaction. 5) The root activity showed a correlation coeffieient of 0.839, 0.834 and 0.948 at 1% level with the number of root, yield of aerial part and root yield, respectively. At 5% level the root-activity showed correlation-coefficient of 0.751, 0.670 and 0.769 with the uptake of the aerial part of respectively. N, P and K and a correlation-coefficient of 0.729, 0.742 and 0.815 with the uptake of the root of respectively N.P. and K. So especially for K-uptake a high correlation with the root-activity was found. 6) The nitrogen content of the roots in low-yield soil was higher than in high-yield soil, while the content in the upper part showed the reverse. It may suggest ammonium toxicity in the root. In low-yield soil Potassium and Phosphorus content was low in both the root and aerial part, and in the latter particularly in the culm and leaf sheath. 7) The content of reducing sugar, non-recuding sugar, starh and eugar, total carbohydrates in the aerial part of plants in low yield soil was higher than in high yield soil. The content of them, especially of reducing sugar in the roots was lower. It may be caused by abnormal metabolic consumption of sugar in the root. 8) Sulfur content was very high in the aerial part, especially in leaf blade of plants on low yield soil and $P_2O_5/S$ value of the leaf blade was one fifth of that in high yield soil. It suggests a possible toxic effect of sulfate ion on photophosphorization. 9) The high value of $Fe/P_2O_5$ of the aerial part of plants in low yield soil suggests the possible formation of solid $Fe/PO_4$ as a mechanical hindrance for the translocation of nutrients. 10) Translocation of nutrients in the plant was very poor and most nutrients were accumulated in the root in low yield soil. That might contributed to the lack of energy sources and mechanical hindrance. 11) The amount of roots in high yield soil, was greater than that in low yield soil. The in high-yield soil was deep, distribution of the roots whereas in the low-yield soil the root-distribution was mainly in the top-layer. Without application of Nitrogen fertilizer the roots were mainly distributed in the upper 7cm. of topsoil. With 120 kg N/ha. root were more concentrated in the layer between 7cm. and 14cm. depth. The amount of roots increased with the amount of fertilizer applied.

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A Study on the Nutritive Value and Utilization of Powdered Seaweeds (해조의 식용분말화에 관한 연구)

  • Yu, Jong-Yull;Lee, Ki-Yull;Kim, Sook-Hee
    • Journal of Nutrition and Health
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    • v.8 no.1
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    • pp.15-37
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    • 1975
  • I. Subject of the study A study on the nutritive value and utilization of powdered seaweeds. II. Purpose and Importance of the study A. In Korea the shortage of food will be inevitable by the rapidly growing population. It will be very important study to develop a new food from the seaweeds which were not used hitherto for human consumption. B. The several kinds of seaweeds have been used by man in Korea mainly as side-dishes. However, a properly powdered seaweed will enable itself to be a good supplement or mixture to certain cereal flours. C. By adding the powdered seaweed to any cereals which have long been staple foods in this country the two fold benefits; saving of cereals and change of dietary pattern, will be secured. III. Objects and scope of the study A. Objects of the study The objects will come under four items. 1. To develop a powdered seaweed as a new food from the seaweeds which have been not used for human consumption. 2. To evaluate the nutritional quality of the products the analysis for chemical composition and animal feeding experiment will be conducted. 3. Experimental cocking and accepability test will be conducted for the powdered products to evaluate the value as food stuff. 4. Sanitary test and also economical analysis will be conducted for the powdered products. B. Scope of the study 1. Production of seaweed powders Sargassum fulvellum growing in eastern coast and Sargassum patens C.A. in southern coast were used as the material for the powders. These algae, which have been not used for human consumption, were pulverized through the processes of washing, drying, pulverization, etc. 2. Nutritional experiments a. Chemical composition Proximate components (water, protein, fat, cellulose, sugar, ash, salt), minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron, iodine), vitamins (A, $B_1,\;B_2$ niacin, C) and amino acids were analyzed for the seaweed powders. b. Animal feeding experiment Weaning 160 rats (80 male and 80 female rats) were used as experimental animals, dividing them into 16 groups, 10 rats each group. Each group was fed for 12 weeks on cereal diet (Wheat flour, rice powder, barley powder, potato powder, corn flour) with the supplementary levels of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 30% of the seaweed powder. After the feeding the growth, feed efficiency ratio, protain efficiency ratio and ,organs weights were checked and urine analysis, feces analysis and serum analysis were also conducted. 3. Experimental cooking and acceptability test a. Several basic studies were conducted to find the characteristics of the seaweed powder. b. 17 kinds of Korean dishes and 9 kinds of foreign dishes were prepared with cereal flours (wheat, rice, barley, potato, corn) with the supplementary levels of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 30% of the seaweed powder. c. Acceptability test for the dishes was conducted according to plank's Form. 4. Sanitary test The heavy metals (Cd, Pb, As, Hg) in the seaweed powders were determined. 5. Economical analysis The retail price of the seaweed powder was compared with those of other cereals in the market. And also economical analysis was made from the nutritional point of view, calculating the body weight gained in grams per unit price of each feeding diet. IV. Results of the study and the suggestion for application A. Chemical composition 1. There is no any big difference in proximate components between powders of Sargassum fulvellum in eastern coast and Sargassum patens C.A. in southern coast. Seasonal difference is also not significant. Higher levels of protein, cellulose, ash and salt were found in the powders compared with common cereal foods. 2. The levels of calcium (Ca) and iron (Fe) in the powders were significantly higher than common cereal foods and also rich in iodine (I). Existence of vitamin A and vitamin C in the Powders is different point from cereal foods. Vitamin $B_1\;and\;B_2$ are also relatively rich in the powders.'Vitamin A in ·Sargassum fulvellum is high and the levels of some minerals and vitamins are seemed4 to be some influenced by seasons. 3. In the amino acid composition methionine, isoleucine, Iysine and valine are limiting amino acids. The protein qualities of Sargassum fulvellum and Sargassum patens C.A. are seemed to be .almost same and generally ·good. Seasonal difference in amino acid composition was found. B. Animal feeding experiment 1. The best growth was found at.10% supplemental level of the seaweed Powder and lower growth rate was shown at 30% level. 2. It was shown that 15% supplemental level of the Seaweed powder seems to fulfil, to some extent the mineral requirement of the animals. 3. No any changes were found in organs development except that, in kidney, there found decreasing in weight by increasing the supplemental level of the seaweed powder. 4. There is no any significant changes in nitrogen retention, serum cholesterol, serum calcium and urinary calcium in each supplemental level of the seaweed powder. 5. In animal feeding experiment it was concluded that $5%{\sim}15%$ levels supplementation of the seaweed powder are possible. C. Experimental cooking and acceptability test 1. The seaweed powder showed to be utilized more excellently in foreign cookings than in Korean cookings. Higher supplemental level of seaweed was passible in foreign cookings. 2. Hae-Jo-Kang and Jeon-Byung were more excellent than Song-Pyun, wheat cake, Soo-Je-Bee and wheat noodle. Hae-Je-Kang was excellent in its quality even as high as 5% supplemental level. 3. The higher levels of supplementation were used the more sticky cooking products were obtained. Song-Pyun and wheat cake were palatable and lustrous in 2% supplementation level. 4. In drop cookie the higher levels of supplementation, the more crisp product was obtained, compared with other cookies. 5. Corn cake, thin rice gruel, rice gruel and potato Jeon-Byung were more excellent in their quality than potato Man-Doo and potato noodle. Corn cake, thin rice gruel and rice gruel were excellent even as high as 5% supplementation level. 6. In several cooking Porducts some seaweed-oder was perceived in case of 3% or more levels of supplementation. This may be much diminished by the use of proper condiments. D. Sanitary test It seems that there is no any heavy metals (Cd, Pb, As, Hg) problem in these seaweed Powders in case these Powders are used as supplements to any cereal flours E. Economical analysis The price of the seaweed powder is lower than those of other cereals and that may be more lowered when mass production of the seaweed powder is made in future. The supplement of the seaweed powder to any cereals is also economical with the criterion of animal growth rate. F. It is recommended that these seaweed powders should be developed and used as supplement to any cereal flours or used as other food material. By doing so, both saving of cereals and improvement of individual's nutrition will greatly be achieved. It is also recommended that the feeding experiment for men would be conducted in future.

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Effects of Nitrogen , Phosphorus and Potassium Application Rates on Oversown Hilly Pasture under Different Levels of Inclination II. Changes on the properties, chemical composition, uptake and recovery of mineral nutrients in mixed grass/clover sward (경사도별 3요소시용 수준이 겉뿌림 산지초지에 미치는 영향 II. 토양특성 , 목초의 무기양분함량 및 3요소 이용율의 변화)

  • 정연규;이종열
    • Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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    • v.5 no.3
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    • pp.200-206
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    • 1985
  • This field experiment was undertaken to assess the effects of three levels of inclination ($10^{\circ},\;20^{\circ},\;and\;30^{\circ}$) and four rates of $N-P_2O_5-K_2O$ (0-0-0-, 14-10-10, 28-25-25, and 42-40-40kg/10a) on establishment, yield and quality, and botanical compositions of mixed grass-clover sward. This second part is concerned with the soil chemical properties, concentrations and uptake of mineral nutrients, and percent recovery and efficiency of NPK. The results obtained after a two-year experiment are summarized as follows: 1. The pH, exchangeable Mg and Na, and base saturation in the surface soils were decreased by increasing the grade of inclination, whereas organic matter and available $P_2O_5$ tended to be increased. However, the changes in the Ca content and equivalent ratio of $K\sqrt{Ca+Mg}$ were not significant. The pH, exchangeable Ca and Mg, and base saturation were reduced by increasing the NPK rate, whereas available $P_2O_5$, exchangeable K, and equivalent ratio of $K\sqrt{Ca+Mg}$ tended to be increased. 2. The concentrations of mineral nutrients in grasses and weeds were not significantly affected by increasing the grade of slope in hilly pasture, whereas the concentrations of N, K, and Mg in legume were the lowest with the steep slope, which seemed to be related to the low legume yield. The Mg concentrations of all forage species were below the critical level for good forage growth and likelihood of grass tetany. 3. The increase of NPK rate resulted in the increment of N, K and Na concentrations, and the decrease of Mg and Ca in grasses. The P concentration was increased with P application, but there were no differences in that among the P rates applied. It resulted also in a slight increase of K, and a decrease of Mg in legume, but the contents of N, Ca, and Na were not affected by that. On the other hand, it has not affected the mineral contents in weeds except a somewhat increase of N. The mixed forages showed a increase of N and K contents, a decrease of Ca and Mg, and a slight change in P and Na. 4. The percent recovery of N, P and K by mixed forages were greatly decreased by increasing the grade of inclination and NPK rate. They were high in the order; K>N>P. The efficiency of mixed NPK applications was decreased by that. The efficiency of mixed NPK fertilizers absorbed was slightly decreased by the increased rate of NPK, but it was not affected by the grade of inclination.

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A Study on the Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Acid Sulfate Soil in Kimhae Plain (김해평야(金海平野)에 분포(分布)된 특이산성토(特異酸性土)(답)(沓)의 이화학적성질(理化學的性質)에 관(關)한 조사연구(調査硏究))

  • Park, N.J.;Park, Y.S.
    • Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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    • v.2 no.1
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    • pp.15-26
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    • 1969
  • The study on physico-chemical characteristics of the acid sulfate soil present in Kimhae plain was carried out with 28 surface and subsoils from lower and higher produtive area and two representative profile samples from the areas reclaimed a few decades ago and around 10 years ago respectively. 1. There are no differences in soil texture between lower and higher productive soils being mostly silty clay loam and silty clay. 2. Very significant differences in pH, degree of base saturation and extractable aluminium content are observed; lower pH, lower degree of base saturation and higher aluminium in the lower productive soils and subsoils. The pH and degree of base saturation of these soils are extremely low whereas aluminium content is very high compared to ordinary paddy soil. 3. Cation exchange capacity of these soils are slightly higher than ordinary paddy soils. In higher productive soils, exchangeable calcium and magnesium are of same order, whereas in lower productive soils magnesium content is appreciably higher than calcium. 4. Though the soil is derived from marine and estuarine sediment, the soluble salt content is not high. There are only few lower productive surface soils and subsoils having Ec values of the saturation extracts higher than 4 mmhos but lower than 9 mmhos/cm. 5. Organic matter content of these soils is a bit higher compared to ordinary paddy soils, but, nitrogen content is comparatively low. C/N ratio of these soils is around 12. 6. Sulfur content is considerably higher but oxidizable sulfur is found to be very low. Total sulfur is generally high in subsoils and lower productive soils. 7. Active iron and available silica are slightly higher than ordinary paddy soils but easily reducible manganese is very low. Almost no differences are also observed between lower and higher productive soils. 8. Available phosphorus content is extremely low in particular, regardless of higher or lower productive soils. 9. The two representative profiles from the area of earlier reclamation and recent one show that samples from earlier reclaimed area contain less amount of free acids, sulfur compounds, toxic aluminium and soluble salts etc. than the other. This indicate greater leaching and possible addition of lime for a longer period of time. 10. From the results obtained, it can be concluded the higher productivity of group I soils is due to the greater leaching and neutralisation of acidity by liming materials, It can also be concluded that the productivity of both types can be increased by addition of liming materials and improvement of drainage facilities.

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Spatio-temporal Fluctuations with Influences of Inflowing Tributary Streams on Water Quality in Daecheong Reservoir (대청호의 시공간적 수질 변화 특성 및 호수내 유입지천의 영향)

  • Kim, Gyung-Hyun;Lee, Jae-Hoon;An, Kwang-Guk
    • Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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    • v.45 no.2
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    • pp.158-173
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    • 2012
  • The objectives of this study were to analyze the longitudinal gradient and temporal variations of water quality in Daecheong Reservoir in relation to the major inflowing streams from the watershed, during 2001~2010. For the study, we selected 7 main-stream sites of the reservoir along the main axis of the reservoir, from the headwater to the dam and 8 tributary streams. In-reservoir nutrients of TN and TP showed longitudinal declines from the headwater to the dam, which results in a distinct zonation of the riverine ($R_z$, M1~M3), transition ($T_z$, M4~M6), and lacustrine zone ($L_z$, M7) in water quality, as shown in other foreign reservoirs. Chlorophyll-a (CHL) and BOD as an indicator of organic matter, were maximum in the $T_z$. Concentration of total phosphorus (TP) was the highest (8.52 $mg\;L^{-1}$) on March in the $R_z$, and was the highest (165 ${\mu}g\;L^{-1}$) in the $L_z$ on July. Values of TN was the maximum (377 ${\mu}g\;L^{-1}$) on August in the $R_z$, and was the highest (3.76 $mg\;L^{-1}$) in the $L_z$ on August. Ionic dilution was evident during September~October, after the monsoon rain. The mean ratios of TN : TP, as an indicator of limiting factor, were 88, which indicates that nitrogen is a surplus for phytoplankton growth in this system. Nutrient analysis of inflowing streams showed that major nutrient sources were headwater streams of T1~T2 and Ockcheon-Stream of T5, and the most influential inflowing stream to the reservoir was T5, which is located in the mid-reservoir, and is directly influenced by the waste-water treatment plants. The key parameters, influenced by the monsoon rain, were TP and suspended solids (SS). Empirical models of trophic variables indicated that variations of CHL in the $R_z$ ($R^2$=0.044, p=0.264) and $T_z$ ($R^2$=0.126, p=0.054) were not accounted by TN, but were significant (p=0.032) in the $L_z$. The variation of the log-transformed $I_r$-CHL was not accounted ($R^2$=0.258, p=0.110) by $I_w$-TN of inflowing streams, but was determined ($R^2$=0.567, p=0.005) by $I_w$-TP of inflowing streams. In other words, TP inputs from the inflowing streams were the major determinants on the in-reservoir phytoplankton growth. Regression analysis of TN : TP suggested that the ratio was determined by P, rather than N. Overall, our data suggest that TP and suspended solids, during the summer flood period, should be reduced from the eutrophication control and P-input from Ockcheon-Stream should be controlled for water quality improvement.

Potassium Physiology of Upland Crops (밭 작물(作物)의 가리(加里) 생리(生理))

  • Park, Hoon
    • Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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    • v.10 no.3
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    • pp.103-134
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    • 1977
  • The physiological and biochemical role of potassium for upland crops according to recent research reports and the nutritional status of potassium in Korea were reviewed. Since physical and chemical characteristics of potassium ion are different from those of sodium, potassium can not completely be replaced by sodium and replacement must be limited to minimum possible functional area. Specific roles of potassium seem to keep fine structure of biological membranes such as thylacoid membrane of chloroplast in the most efficient form and to be allosteric effector and conformation controller of various enzymes principally in carbohydrate and protein metabolism. Potassium is essential to improve the efficiency of phoro- and oxidative- phosphorylation and involve deeply in all energy required metabolisms especially synthesis of organic matter and their translocation. Potassium has many important, physiological functions such as maintenance of osmotic pressure and optimum hydration of cell colloids, consequently uptake and translocation of water resulting in higher water use efficiency and of better subcellular environment for various physiological and biochemical activities. Potassium affects uptake and translocation of mineral nutrients and quality of products. potassium itself in products may become a quality criteria due to potassium essentiality for human beings. Potassium uptake is greatly decreased by low temperature and controlled by unknown feed back mechanism of potassium in plants. Thus the luxury absorption should be reconsidered. Total potassium content of upland soil in Korea is about 3% but the exchangeable one is about 0.3 me/100g soil. All upland crops require much potassium probably due to freezing and cold weather and also due to wet damage and drought caused by uneven rainfall pattern. In barley, potassium should be high at just before freezing and just after thawing and move into grain from heading for higher yield. Use efficiency of potassium was 27% for barley and 58% in old uplands, 46% in newly opened hilly lands for soybean. Soybean plant showed potassium deficiency symptom in various fields especially in newly opened hilly lands. Potassium criteria for normal growth appear 2% $K_2O$ and 1.0 K/(Ca+Mg) (content ratio) at flower bud initiation stage for soybean. Potassium requirement in plant was high in carrot, egg plant, chinese cabbage, red pepper, raddish and tomato. Potassium content in leaves was significantly correlated with yield in chinese cabbage. Sweet potato. greatly absorbed potassium subsequently affected potassium nutrition of the following crop. In the case of potassium deficiency, root showed the greatest difference in potassium content from that of normal indicating that deficiency damages root first. Potatoes and corn showed much higher potassium content in comparison with calcium and magnesium. Forage crops from ranges showed relatively high potassium content which was significantly and positively correlated with nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium content. Percentage of orchards (apple, pear, peach, grape, and orange) insufficient in potassium ranged from 16 to 25. The leaves and soils from the good apple and pear orchards showed higher potassium content than those from the poor ones. Critical ratio of $K_2O/(CaO+MgO)$ in mulberry leaves to escape from winter death of branch tip was 0.95. In the multiple croping system, exchangeable potassium in soils after one crop was affected by the previous crops and potassium uptake seemed to be related with soil organic matter providing soil moisture and aeration. Thus, the long term and quantitative investigation of various forms of potassium including total one are needed in relation to soil, weather and croping system. Potassium uptake and efficiency may be increased by topdressing, deep placement, slow-releasing or granular fertilizer application with the consideration of rainfall pattern. In all researches for nutritional explanation including potassium of crop yield reasonable and practicable nutritional indices will most easily be obtained through multifactor analysis.

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