• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.379-387
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• 2007

This research was conducted to evaluate the influence of pre-planting fertilizer levels (PFL) and initiation time of fertigation (ITF) on growth and nutrient contents of tomato plug seedlings. The pre-planting fertilizer levels in a coir+peatmoss+perlite (4:4:2, v/v/v) substrate were adjusted to 0.5X, 1.0X and 1.0X, and initiation time of fertigation was set to 7, 14,21 and 28 days after sowing. Elevated PFL in same ITF increased plant growth such as fresh and dry weights at 35 and 70 days after sowing. Plugs with early feeding among treatments of equal amount of PFL also showed better growth as compared to those of later feeding. In each ITF, 0.5X treatment had the higher tissue $P_2O_5$ contents than 1.0X and 1.5X treatments. Elevated PFL resulted in the decrease of tissue K, Mg and Fe contents and increase of tissue Ca contents. The pH in soil solution of all root substrates except 0.5X treatment at 35 and 70 days after sowing were greater than 7.0, which is too high. This suggests that the amounts and kinds of Ca containing fertilizers should be altered to decrease the pH. The results of this research indicated that fertilizer levels should be increased to 1.5X except Ca fertilizer, and fertigation immediately after moving plug trays from germination room to greenhouse is required to increase crop growth and decrease cropping time.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.243-252
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• 2015

This study was performed to establish a production system for in situ and ex situ conservation of Elsholtzia minima Nakai, an endemic plant grown in Jeju Island. Moreover, this study aimed to identify root-growth characteristics according to the use of pre-treatment agents and seedling growth effect according to fertilizer application. The mean temperature was similar in greenhouse and vinyl-moist chamber, but air humidity was higher in vinyl-moist chamber than in greenhouse. After stem planting of Elsholtzia minima Nakai, initial root growth was observed after 10 days in greenhouse and after 7 days in vinyl-moist chamber. Root growth rate was more rapid in vinyl-moist chamber. Moreover, survival rate, root growth rate and root number was slightly higher in vinyl-moist chamber than in greenhouse, indicating that vinyl-moist chamber is more effective in plant growth. When pre-treatment agents were used to remove root growth-inhibiting substances, a higher root growth rate of more than 95% was found in pre-treatment groups, excluding the group treated with AgNO₃ at 77.5%. Thus, Elsholtzia minima Nakai is thought to have less root growth inhibitors. In the analysis of nitrogen application rate and Osmocote application by seedling container, a difference was found in survival rate and growth according to application rate and container conditions. When Osmocote, a slow release fertilizer, was applied to the soil surface around each culture container, survival rate and the growth of aerial and root parts were most favorable. Thus, Osmocote fertilizer is thought to be desirable for seedling propagation of Elsholtzia minima Nakai.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.431-438
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• 2017

This study investigated the effect of pre-planting nitrogen (N) fertilization levels added to a soilless root medium on the growth of 'Dotaerang Dia' tomato seedlings. The N levels were varied for a total of 7 treatments: 0, 100, 250, 500, 750, 1,000, or $1,500mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$. The pH of the root media gradually rose in all treatments as the seedlings grew; however, the differences in the pH were not significant among the treatments. The electrical conductivity (EC) of the root media was significantly different among the treatments from sowing to week three, then drastically decreased after week four, which diminished the differences in the EC among the treatments. At week six, plant height, leaf length, leaf width, number of leaves, and fresh and dry weights of the shoot were highest for the treatment with $500mg{\cdot}L^{-1}N$. In contrast, the treatment with $1,500mg{\cdot}L^{-1}N$ had the lowest results for all growth measurements. The fresh weight was 67% heavier in the $500mg{\cdot}L^{-1}N$ treatment compared to the $1,500mg{\cdot}L^{-1}N$ treatment. The total N content in the tissues was lowest in the treatment with $0mg{\cdot}L^{-1}N$ and highest in the treatment with $1,000mg{\cdot}L^{-1}N$. The contents of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and metal micronutrients in the tissues were highest in the $250mg{\cdot}L^{-1}N$ treatment. A previous study demonstrated that adjusting the fertilization level to promote growth to over 90% of the maximum growth is a good strategy for lowering production costs and preventing damage due to excessive fertilizer absorption by crops. Our results indicated that the optimal pre-planting N fertilization level for tomato plug seedlings should be lower than $500mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ and the optimum tissue N contents should be around 3.21% to 4.60%.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.342-351
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• 2019

The optimum N concentrations incorporated as pre-planting nutrient charge fertilizer were determined for seedling raising using cylindrical paper pots. A root medium was formulated by blending of peat moss (particles smaller than 2.84 mm were 80-90%) and perlite (1 to 3 mm) with the ratio of 7:3 (v/v). The treatment N concentrations incorporated during the root medium formulation were adjusted to 0, 150, 250, 500, and $750mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ and the concentrations of essential nutrients except N were equal in all treatments. After making of paper pots and putting into the 40-cell tray, the seeds of Chinese cabbage ('Chunmyeong Bom Baechu') and pak-choi ('Hanog cheonggyeongchae') were sown. During the raising of seedlings, weekly analysis of medium pH, EC and concentrations of inorganic elements were conducted. After 21 and 20 days after seed sowing of Chinese cabbage and pak-choi, the growth of the above-ground parts were measured and contents of inorganic elements in the plant tissues were analyzed. During the growing period, pH of the root media rose gradually and the EC decreased rapidly at week 3. The pH of root media at harvest was in the range of 5.3 to 5.9 in Chinese cabbage and 4.93 to 5.39 in pak-choi. Growth of the aboveground parts in terms of fresh and dry weight in both the plants were the highest in the $250mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ N treatment and the lowest in the control treatment. The elevation of pre-planting N concentrations in root medium resulted in the increase of tissue N content and decrease of P, Ca, and Mg contents. The regression equation derived from the influence of varied pre-planting N concentrations on dry weight of above-ground tissue were $y=-0.0036x^2+0.0021x+0.0635$ ($R^2=0.9826$) in Chinese cabbage and $y=-0.16x^2+0.0009x+0.032$ ($R^2=0.991$) in pak-choi. When the low critical concentration of pre-plant N is taken at the point where dry weight of above-ground tissue is 10% less than maximum (0.40 g in Chinese cabbage and 0.16 g in pak-choi), those point are 0.36 g and 0.144 g per plant in Chinese cabbage and pak-choi, respectively. The lower critical N concentrations of root media calculated from the regression equations are $196mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ for Chinese cabbage and $187mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ for pak-choi. These results indicate that optimum pre-plant N concentrations for seedling raising using paper pots are in the range of 196 to $250mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ for Chinese cabbage and 187 to $250mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ for pak-choi.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.254-259
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• 1998

This study was focused on finding out the potential problems associated with organic farming system. The effect of composted animal manures subsequent inoculation of microbes on growth and yield of tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. 'Minicarol') were examined to develop a proper organic farming practice. Plant heights were greater in composted manure treatment than in conventional practice, whereas widths of leaves were higher in conventional field. Chlorophyll contents between various amount of composted manure application were gradually decreased and showed no significant differences after 45 days of planting. The yield in the treatment applied 12 ton of composted animal manure per 10a as pre-planting fertilizer and following microbial inoculation were only 50-60% compared to that of conventional farming. However, yield increased up to 80% when additional composts were applied to the treatment received 6 ton of composted animal manure per 10a in the middle of cultivation. Microbial inoculation followed by composted manure application induced rapid decrease of nitrogen content in soil. However, the density of microorganisms was significantly increased. Tomatoes produced through organic farming were clear in color, Further, soluble solid and acid content were increased. The highest level of acid and solids were observed in the treatment applied 12 ton of digested swine manure per 10a. Although nitrogen content including ammonium and nitrate rapidly increased after application of composts, these were significantly reduced approximately 4-5 weeks after planting. The level of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and calcium showed gradual decrease compared to nitrogen.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.171-177
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• 2008

The application in agricultural fields of pig slurry composting biofiltraton amending smell and nutrient unevenness, it is important for the appropriate nitrogen nutrient management to promote the availability of the crops and to minimize the risk of adversely environmental effects. The objective of this study was to determine the application rates of the preplant pig slurry composting biofiltration for red pepper(Capsicum annuum L.) by considering the yield response and the fruit quality such as sugar, capsaicinoid content. Red peppers were grown on plastic film ground under five different pig slurry(PS) application rates and mineral fertilizer(MF 100%) as a control. The effects of a single application of five different doses of PS: PS 0%(no kg N $ha^{-1}$), PS 50%(51.5 kg N $ha^{-1}$), PS 75%(77.3 kg N $ha^{-1}$), PS 100%(103 kg N $ha^{-1}$) and PS 125%(129 kg N $ha^{-1}$) were compared with the recommended mineral treatment(103 kg N $ha^{-1}$) in the pre-planting. The sidedressing N application(87 kg N $ha^{-1}$) was applied to the mineral fertilizer in all treatments. Red peppers were harvested at the mature red stage through five times from 72 days after transplanting(DAT) to 133 DAT. The results indicated that the yield of red pepper was increased with the increase of the N application rates from PS 0% to PS 100%. The highest yield was obtained in PS 100% by 20,843 kg $ha^{-1}$, although there were no significant differences in yield among PS 100, PS 125% and MF 100%. In addition, The contents of soluble sugar and capsaicinoids were not significantly different in all treatments. Accordingly, fertilization recommendations of red pepper to substitute PS for the mineral fertilizer were considered to PS 100%.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.303-308
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• 2016

This study was carried out to determine the effects of application levels of fertilizer and sowing methods on yields and nutritive values of Italian ryegrass (IRG) in early spring. Five fertilizer levels were used: Treatment 1, 100-80-80 kg/ha; Treatment 2, 120-100-100 kg/ha; Treatment 3, 140-120-120 kg/ha; Treatment 4, 160-140-140 kg/ha; Treatment 5, 140-120-120 kg/ha of $N-P_2O_5-K_2O$ with silicate fertilizer 200 kg/ha. Dry matter (DM) yield was 8,330 kg/ha in Treatment 5, 7,686 kg/ha in Treatment 4, and 7,347 kg/ha in Treatment 3. There was no significant difference in total digestible nutrients (TDN) content. The content of crude protein was the highest in Treatment 5. Dry matter ratio was the lowest in Treatment 5. In Treatment 3, DM yield was 7,347 kg/ha, when total amounts of fertilizers were applied at one time. However, DM yield was 7,405 kg/ha, when 50% of pre-planting fertilizer and 50% of supplementary fertilizer were applied at different time. There was no significant difference between total application and split application of fertilizers. However, DM yield was 9,469 kg/ha in application treatment with 100 kg/ha of additional urea at three to four leaf stages of IRG. Regarding DM yield by sowing methods of IRG, the following order was found: drill seeding (8,176 kg/ha) > rotary-broadcast seeding-stamping (7,957 kg/ha) > rotary-broadcast seeding (7,810 kg/ha) > broadcast seeding (7,347 kg/ha) > broadcast seeding-rotary (7,034 kg/ha). DM yield (59.57%) was the lowest in broadcast seeding-rotary. Crude protein content was the highest with rotary work but the lowest with broadcast seeding.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.658-667
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• 2015

This research was conducted to investigate the influence of various levels of fused superphosphate as pre-planting fertilizer on the growth of red-leaf lettuce and changes in the chemical properties of the soil solution in three root media, namely coir-dust plus expanded rice hull (8:2, v/v; CD+ERH), carbonized rice hull (6:4; CD+CRH), or ground and aged pine bark (8:2; CD+GAPB). The amounts of fused superphosphate (FSP) incorporated into the three root media during formulation were controlled from 0 to $6.0g{\cdot}L^{-1}$ in $1.5g{\cdot}L^{-1}$ increments. The root media containing fertilizers were packed into 300 mL plastic pots and seedlings of red-leaf lettuce at the 3rd leaf stage were transplanted. After transplanting, the crops were fed with a solution of neutral fertilizer ($100mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$). The growth of red-leaf lettuce was investigated 5 weeks after transplanting and soil solutions were extracted and analyzed every week for pH, EC, and concentrations of macro-nutrients. The elevation of application rates of FSP in the three root media resulted in better growth, and the crops grown in CD+ERH and CD+GRPB had greater fresh and dry weights than those in CD+CRH when compared among the treatments of equal amounts of FSP. The pH and $PO_4{^{-3}}$ concentrations in the soil solution of CD+CRH at 3 weeks after transplant were in the ranges of 4.0 to 4.8 and 20 to $100mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$, respectively. These were lower pH and higher $PO_4{^{-3}}$ concentrations than those in CD+ERH and CD+GAPB. The $K^+$ concentrations were higher in CD+CRH than those in the other two root media, and the elevation of FSP application rates resulted in higher $Ca^{+2}$, $Mg^{+2}$ and $SO_4{^{-2}}$ concentrations in soil solution of the three root media. The $NO_3$-N concentrations in soil solution rose continuously during crop cultivation, implying that the leaching percentage was elevated. The soil solution EC varied, showing the same tendencies as the $NO_3$-N concentrations. The above results indicated that the CD+ERH and CD+GRPB media performed better than CD+CRH, and optimum application rates of FSP in the three root media were 4.5 to $6.0g{\cdot}L^{-1}$ for pot cultivation of red-leaf lettuce.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.235-243
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• 2014

This research was conducted to investigate the influence of leaching fractions (LF) in each irrigation or fertigation on plant growth and changes in chemical properties of root media during the production of seedling grafts of tomato. Two root media containing Sphagnum peat moss plus vermiculite (5:5, v/v, PV) and coir dust plus vermiculite (5:5, v/v, CV) were formulated and pre-planting fertilizers were incorporated during formulation. Then, each medium was packed into 50 cell (volume 33 cc) and 105 cell (volume 18 cc) trays and the rootstock (cv. J3B Strong) and scion (cv. Sunmyung) were grown, respectively. The seedlings were grafted at 31 days after sowing and then the cut seedling grafts (Sunmyung scion/J3B Strong rootstock) were planted into 50 cell plug trays containing each of the two root media. After induction of the graft union and new adventitious roots for 7 days, the seedling grafts were fed with fertilizer solution once a week containing 4 different N concentrations (0, 50, 100, $200mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$). When determined after 31 days from seed sowing, the highest fresh weights of the root stock seedlings were obtained with 0.75 LF in PV (8.96g/seedling) and CV (7.11g/seedling) mixes. The EC of the both mixes were 0.93 and $1.09dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$, respectively. The fresh weights of the scion seedlings 31 days after seed sowing were 4.29g with 0.50 LF in the PV and 3.13g with 0.50 LF in the CV. The root medium ECs of the two treatments were 0.76 and $1.34dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$, respectively. Fresh weights of the seedling grafts grown for 31 days were greatly influenced by post-planting fertilizer concentrations. The heavier plants were obtained in $100mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ N treatment than any other treatments in same mixes. The substrate ECs in these two treatments were 0.98 and $1.93dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$, respectively, indicating that the desirable range of soluble salts in soil extracts is higher in the CV mix than the PV mix. Results of this study suggest that optimum EC range is different in each medium and LF need to be adjusted differently for each root medium to produce high quality seedling grafts of tomato.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.188-193
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• 2010

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of organic materials on soil organisms. Changes in the community structure, and population density of soil organisms (microbes, nematodes, and microarthropods) were studied in a Korean ginseng field. Phospholipid fatty acids analysis showed that the relative abundances of bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes did not differ significantly. The aerobes/anaerobes ratio was the lowest in soils amended with leaf mold, indicating that the decomposition speed was slow. Further, the addition of leaf mold to the soil enhanced the saturated/monounsaturated fatty acid ratio and cyclopropyl fatty acid/precursor ratio, which indicated an increase in environmental stresses. Application of pig manure compost (PMC) had positive effects on the population density of nematodes, and negative effects on that of oribatid mites. The population densities of nematodes, and microarthropods remained relatively low in the plots that had been treated with leaf mold or pig manure compost. It is suggested that pre-planting soil management directed at enhancing the biological decomposition efficiency should be continued over a long period to increase the soil bioactivity in virgin soils.