• Original research article

    Crop productivity and nutrient use efficiency of ramie (Boehmeria nivea L.) under variable NPK fertilization levels
    Jin-Hee An, Yo-Sung Song, Chan-Wook Lee, Hye-Jin Park, Ye-Jin Lee
    Ramie has been cultivated worldwide for centuries and is valued for its use in food and fiber production. However, due to the … + READ MORE
    Ramie has been cultivated worldwide for centuries and is valued for its use in food and fiber production. However, due to the lack of established standards for ramie fertilizer usage, farmers rely on their experience for fertilizer application. This study evaluated productivity and fertilizer use efficiency based on various fertilizer levels to establish standards for fertilizer application in ramie cultivation fields. The experiment was conducted in the ramine farm of Yeonggwang-gun, Jeollanam-do from 2021 to 2022. Fertilizers were applied at 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 times based on N-P2O5-K2O = 350-140-350 kg ha-1, and the fertilization rates were divided into a basal application and four times top-dressings after each harvest. Nitrogen fertilizations were strongly responsible for leaf nitrogen (SPAD value) and yield. Fertilizer use efficiency was significantly highest at the 0.5 times NPK level. Based on the yield response from five harvests of ramie leaves, the optimal fertilizer amount for maximum yield was N 525 kg ha-1, P2O5 140 kg ha-1, and K2O 525 kg ha-1. Further research is necessary to establish a manual for customized fertilization being fitted to variable soil nutrient levels. The NPK fertilizer response curve of ramie (A: nitrogen, B: phosphate, C: potassium). - COLLAPSE
    30 November 2024
  • Original research article

    Gaseous and leaching loss of nitrogen during winter onion cultivation in monolithic weighable lysimeter with sandy loam texture
    Jin-Hee An, Chan-Wook Lee, Jung-Hun Ok, Min-Ji Kim, Ye-Jin Lee
    Nitrogen (N) cycles through the atmosphere and water systems, impacting the environment. In this study, we analyzed the atmospheric and subsurface movement … + READ MORE
    Nitrogen (N) cycles through the atmosphere and water systems, impacting the environment. In this study, we analyzed the atmospheric and subsurface movement of nitrogen following the use of nitrogen fertilizer during winter onion cultivation. Onions (Allium cepa L., ‘Katamaru’) were cultivated in a weighing lysimeter from November 1, 2022 to June 7, 2023. During the cultivation period, nitrous oxide (N2O) and ammonia (NH3) volatilized into the atmosphere, and nitrate N (NO3- -N) and ammonium N (NH4+-N) leached below 1.5 m were measured in both the onion cultivated (OC) and bare soil (BS) lysimeters. Emissions of N2O and NH3 occurred upon fertilizer application, with more ammonia being produced in April compared to February due to differences in humidity and temperature, despite applying the same amount of nitrogen fertilizer. Comparing nitrogen volatilization and leaching in the OC and BS during the same period, it was found that nitrogen volatilization was 9.2% and subterranean leaching was 0.4% of the applied nitrogen fertilizer in the OC, with most nitrogen being absorbed by the plants and remaining in the soil. The total soil nitrogen content in the BS decreased by 0.3 g kg-1 when comparing the same period before and after onion harvest, indicating that N2O and NH3 volatilization and leaching also occurred in the non-cultivated land. Therefore, it is important to apply appropriate amounts of nitrogen fertilizer to minimize direct greenhouse gas emissions from nitrogen fertilizer use. Also, management to prevent nitrogen accumulation is necessary to reduce nitrogen loss from farmland in winter season. Nitrogen movement according to crop cultivation in weighable lysimeter. - COLLAPSE
    30 November 2024
  • Original research article

    Evaluating evapotranspiration and crop coefficients of onion (Allium cepa L.) using monolithic weighable lysimeters with two contrasting textured soils
    Dong-hyun Kim, Seung-oh Hur, Seon-ah Hwang, Bu-yeong Oh, Min-kyeong Park, Hyun-seo Yang, Jung-hun Ok
    In recent times, the significance of effective water resource management has been on the rise due to the impacts of climate change. … + READ MORE
    In recent times, the significance of effective water resource management has been on the rise due to the impacts of climate change. Improving crop productivity and optimizing water resource management necessitate precise evaluations of water balance and crop coefficients (Kc). The crop coefficients are defined as the ratio of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) to reference evapotranspiration (ETo), and it is essential for accurately determining the water requirements of the crop. This research focused on analyzing water balance, including evapotranspiration and precipitation, throughout the growth stages of onions through using weighable lysimeters. Additionally, this study presented crop coefficients and water requirements for growth stages. Onion was cultivated repeatedly for 2 years in two upland soils with different soil textures. As a result of analyzing the water balance, there is comparable total inflow volumes between the two soil types, with sandy loam exhibiting a higher overall outflow rate. The crop coefficients for the growth stages were determined as 0.67, 0.77, 0.97, 0.99, and 0.84, respectively. The assessment of water requirement for two-year cultivation indicated a lower requirement compared to a normal year. The precise evaluation of water balance in Korea through weighable lysimeter and the formulation of national factors are anticipated to enhance the prediction accuracy of field crop water management in the future. Crop coefficient for onion according to growth stage. Growth stage G12 G2 G3 G5 G5 2022 - 2023 SiCL1 0.63 0.50 0.71 0.82 0.81 SL 0.65 0.51 0.97 0.99 1.03 2023 - 2024 SiCL 0.63 0.98 0.98 0.98 0.75 SL 0.71 1.08 1.20 1.15 0.75 Average crop coefficient 0.67 0.77 0.97 0.99 0.84 1SiCL, silty clay loam; SL, sandy loam. 2G1, G2, G3, G4, and G5 mean growth stage of initial stage, rooting stage, early vegetative growth stage, late vegetative growth stage, bulb development stage, respectively. - COLLAPSE
    30 November 2024
  • Original research article

    Evaluation of nutrient losses of the furrow dike system during the cultivation of soybean (Glycine max L.) in paddy fields
    Jong-Mun Lee, Sang-Min Jun, Jinu Eo, Byungmo Lee, Goo-Bok Jung, Soon-Kun Choi
    The furrow dike system plays an important role in maintaining soil moisture and regulating nutrient loads. Reducing runoff and nutrient loads in … + READ MORE
    The furrow dike system plays an important role in maintaining soil moisture and regulating nutrient loads. Reducing runoff and nutrient loads in agricultural lands can improve water use efficiency and reduce environmental impact. This study evaluated nutrient load reduction through the use of furrow dike systems during the cultivation of soybean (Glycine max L.) in paddy fields. The research focused on the effectiveness of furrow dikes in reducing runoff, total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) loads. The experiment was conducted over two years, from 2019 to 2020, with conventional treatment (CT) and furrow dike treatment (FT) plots. The results showed that furrow dikes reduced both runoff and nutrient loads significantly. The furrow dike system reduced runoff by up to 70% and TN loads by 81.8%. Notably, the furrow dike system proved most effective at reducing runoff at daily average rainfall of 10 mm or less and TN loads at 50 mm or less. This study suggests that furrow dikes can effectively mitigate nutrient runoff and improve water use efficiency in paddy fields during soybean cultivation, especially under conditions of low rainfall. Effects of the furrow dike system on the runoff (A), TN (B), and TP (C) loads during the cultivation of soybean in paddy fields. - COLLAPSE
    30 November 2024
  • Original research article

    Effect of biochar beads coated with polydopamine on heavy metal adsorption in aqueous phase
    Dong Ju Lee, Kyeong Min Lee, Young Kyu Hong, Jin Wook Kim, Sung Chul Kim
    Biochar has been used as adsorbent for heavy metal removal in aqueous phase. However, powder type biochar has a limitation to apply … + READ MORE
    Biochar has been used as adsorbent for heavy metal removal in aqueous phase. However, powder type biochar has a limitation to apply in the environment. The main purpose of this study was to show how to utilize binding chemicals to aggregate powder type biochar and to examine the heavy metal sorption efficiency of chemically granulated biochar in the aqueous phase. Three different materials, biochar (BC), biochar bead (BB), and biochar bead coated with polydopamine (BBP), were examined for the isothermal and kinetic adsorption experiments for cadmium and lead. The highest Langmuir isothermal adsorption capacity for cadmium (192.308 mg g-1) and for lead (63.694 mg g-1) was observed in the BBP treatment. Similarly, in the kinetic adsorption experiments, the BBP treatment had the highest pseudo-second kinetic model parameter 4.669 for cadmium and 0.09 for lead. This study suggests that coating biochar beads with polydopamine can increase the heavy metal removal of biochar as an adsorbent. Schematic diagram of biochar bead, polydopamine coating manufacture process and isothermal adsorption results. - COLLAPSE
    30 November 2024
  • Original research article

    Seasonal drainage characteristics and total nitrogen and total phosphorus losses of strawberry hydroponic farms in Gyeongnam
    Kyong-Hee Joung, Eun-Jee Park, Jae-Uk An, Mi-Young Lim, Hae-Suk Yoon, Dong-Cheol Seo
    This study aimed to evaluate the nutrient utilization efficiency in strawberry hydroponics and assess the actual nutrient discharge status under a non-circulating … + READ MORE
    This study aimed to evaluate the nutrient utilization efficiency in strawberry hydroponics and assess the actual nutrient discharge status under a non-circulating hydroponic system. Water samples from both supply and drainage were collected three times monthly, at approximately 10-day intervals, from October to May of the following year, across five farms in Gyeongnam. A total of 18 parameters, including total N (T-N), total P (T-P), electrical conductivity (EC), and pH, were analyzed. The average drainage rate observed during the study period was 49.5%. The utilization efficiencies of macronutrients by the plants were 47.5% for T-N, 51.4% for T-P, 56.3% for K, 36.9% for Ca, 40.2% for Mg, and 33.5% for SO42-. Micronutrients such as Fe, Mn, B, and Mo demonstrated utilization efficiencies exceeding 50%, excluding Cu and Zn. During the survey period, the average total discharge amounts of using October data (the highest T-N and T-P discharges), these total discharges were calculated to 2.12 kg (T-N) and 0.67 kg (T-P) of average daily emissions per hectare, which shows the nutrient loads to be managed to mitigate the environmental pollution. This study established the foundation for reducing environmental pollution from non-circulating hydroponic systems by providing fundamental data on supply, drainage, and nutrient utilization efficiency. It highlights the need for further research into the reduction and reuse of drainage. The purification load of the nitrogen and phosphorus is the amount of total nitrogen and total phosphorus of drainage water during the survey period. - COLLAPSE
    30 November 2024
  • Original research article

    Effect of chelating agent treatment on nutrient leaching and crop growth in plastic film house
    Kyeong Min Lee, Dong Ju Lee, Jin Wook Kim, Young Kyu Hong, Sung Chul Kim
    Soil salinity has an adverse impact on crop productivity and soil ecosystem in plastic film houses. In this study, three chelating agents—ethylenediamine … + READ MORE
    Soil salinity has an adverse impact on crop productivity and soil ecosystem in plastic film houses. In this study, three chelating agents—ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA), and humic acid (HA)—were compared to evaluate reduction of soil salinity and their effect on enhancing crop productivity. A column experiment was conducted to investigate the chelating efficiency of these agents in the soil, and a pot experiment was carried out to examine the growth response of lettuce. Results from the column experiment showed that all three chelating agents released 7 - 16% more cations (Ca, Na, Mg, Fe) compared to the control (water treatment only), in the order of DTPA, EDTA, and HA. In the case of NO3-, the highest release was observed in the HA treatment, which was 17% higher than the control. For pot experiment, the optimum application ratio for EDTA and DTPA was 0.5 mM and 1 mM for humic acid. When the concentration of EDTA and DTPA exceeded 0.5 mM, or when HA exceeded 1 mM, the growth of lettuce was inhibited, indicating that these higher concentrations had a negative impact of lettuce growth. Overall, applying chelating agents to the soil at optimal concentration can release ions from the soil, which can have a positive effect on crop growth, such as fresh weight. Schematic diagram of column and pot experiments. - COLLAPSE
    30 November 2024
  • Original research article

    Quantification of methane emissions in rice paddies: A machine learning approach with rice cultivar and transplanting date
    Jun-Yeong Lee, Yun-Gu Kang, Ji-Hoon Kim, Jun-Ho Kim, Jiwon Choi, Taek-Keun Oh
    Estimates of methane (CH4) emissions from rice paddies are crucial to assess the contribution of rice production in mitigating or … + READ MORE
    Estimates of methane (CH4) emissions from rice paddies are crucial to assess the contribution of rice production in mitigating or adapting climate change. This study aimed to develop a predictive model for estimating the CH4 emissions in rice paddies, and suggest rice production strategies for sustainable agriculture. The parameters for constructing the CH4 emissions predictive model were obtained from field-based experiments from 2022 to 2023 in Daejeon, South Korea and separated as follows: climatic factors (i.e., mean temperatures of atmosphere, soil, and water, annual total precipitation), cultivation factors (i.e., cultivar and transplanting date), and soil properties (i.e., pH, organic matter, and bulk density). Additionally, before the developing the predictive model, each variable underwent significance test (p < 0.05). The statistical relationship and regression analysis of the CH4 emissions were followed the Pearson correlation method and multiple linear regression (MLR) algorithm, respectively. Consequently, the CH4 emissions had the negative correlation with the mean water temperature, total precipitation, transplanting date, and bulk density, where the mean water temperature had the highest negative coefficient at -0.824. In contrast, the CH4 emissions were raised by the increase in the mean atmospheric temperature (+0.231) and organic matter content (+0.391). The predictive model for forecasting the CH4 emissions had the coefficient of determination (R2) value of 0.836, which exhibits the reliability of 84% for estimating the CH4 emissions. In predictive model, soil bulk density (+18.2933) had the highest influence, while total precipitation exhibited the lowest coefficient at -0.0426. The statistical metrics, which showed the range and occurrence of residuals in the predictive model, were evaluated at 8.802 kg ha-1 and 7.235%, respectively. These findings serve as a valuable tool for establishing strategies to estimate the CH4 emissions in rice production, whereas expanding the dataset to include various experimental regions was needed to enhance the model’s performance. Development of predictive model for total methane emissions in rice paddies. - COLLAPSE
    30 November 2024
  • Original research article

    Soil loss evaluation of strip-tilled soybean cropping system in highland agriculture of Gangwon province
    Mavis Badu Brempong, Yang-Min Kim, Gye-Ryeong Bak, Jeong-Tae Lee
    Large annual soil losses in the highlands of Gangwon necessitates growing appropriate crops and applying effective soil conservation measures to sustain agricultural … + READ MORE
    Large annual soil losses in the highlands of Gangwon necessitates growing appropriate crops and applying effective soil conservation measures to sustain agricultural productivity in the region. This study evaluates the effect of strip-tilled soybean / cover crop rotation on soil loss in the 2021, 2022 and 2023 growing seasons in 2, 7 and 15% slope lysimeters at the Highland Agriculture Research Institute in Gangwon. Cover crops were a 5:1 mixture of rye and hairy vetch planted during the fallow period, after soybean harvest. Cover crop biomass and soybean residue were left on the soil surface throughout the study. Soil losses under soybean and cover crop cultivation, and bare land were quantified. Cover management factor (C-factor) estimations of soybean and cover crops were made. Results showed that strip-tilled soybean reduced total soil loss by 19 to 109 times that of bare land in all the three slope lysimeters during the soybean growing periods. C-factors for the cultivation periods of strip-tilled soybean in all growing seasons were lower (0.0006 to 0.12) than the 12-year average C-factor (0.19) of conventionally tilled soybean. The reduction in c-factors could be attributed to the ability of soybean crops, strip tillage and soil surface cover to enhance soil conservation as slope gradients increase in the Highlands. Compared to bare land, cover crops also reduced total soil loss by 2 to 61 times in all the three slope lysimeters, during the cover crop growing periods. Applying strip tillage, rotating soybean with cover crops in the fallow period and maintaining soil surface cover in soybean cropping systems is an effective way of reducing soil loss and promoting agricultural productivity in the highlands of Gangwon. Cover management factors (C-factors) of 2, 7 and 15% strip-tilled soybean slope lysimeters in the 2021, 2022 and 2023 soybean cultivation period. Slope (%) of lysimeter Year 2% 7% 15% 2021 0.1164 0.0067 0.0458 2022 0.0446 0.0026 0.0029 2023 0.0235 0.0007 0.0006 Average 0.0615 0.0033 0.0164 - COLLAPSE
    30 November 2024
  • Original research article

    Monitoring cyanide in burnt tree residues and soil in areas affected by forest fires
    Shin-Seol Jeon, Seok Soon Jeong, Jae E. Yang, Jung-Hwan Yoon, Hyuck Soo Kim, Yong-Keon Shin
    Forest biomass combustion deposits various chemical compounds onto the soil. Understanding these chemicals is crucial for effective post-fire management. This research investigated … + READ MORE
    Forest biomass combustion deposits various chemical compounds onto the soil. Understanding these chemicals is crucial for effective post-fire management. This research investigated cyanide content through a forest fire simulation using leaves at different temperatures, as well as by analyzing combustion residues and soil collected from forest fire sites, in accordance with the Korean standard for the determination of cyanide in soil. The simulation burned leaves from seven common tree species in Korea at temperature of 400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C using a muffle furnace. Cyanide content in the leaves from the simulation ranged from 2.55 to 16.60 mg kg-1. At three forest fire sites, cyanide contents ranged from 0.45 to 1.69 mg kg-1 in residues and from not detectable to 1.38 mg kg-1 in soils. Although the cyanide contents in the soil did not exceed the worrisome level (2 mg kg-1) for Region 2 of the Soil Environment Conservation Act, they were increased compared to control soil contents. These findings suggest that pollutants in fire residues may impact soil and water through runoff, emphasizing the need for environmental impact assessments and strategies to prevent residue transfer to water bodies. Concentration of cyanide in the incinerated tree leaves in the forest fire simulation (a) and in combustion residues and soils taken from three forest fire sites (b). - COLLAPSE
    30 November 2024
  • Original research article

    Estimation of water productivity with adjustment of rice cultivation period using paddy soil lysimeters
    Min-kyeong Park, Jung-hun Ok, Dong-hyun Kim, Tae-gu Lee, Seung-gyu Lee, Seung-oh Hur, Seon-ah Hwang, Bu-Yeong Oh, Hyun-seo Yang
    Water productivity is an important indicator of agricultural water use efficiency, defined as the crop yield per amount of water consumed, allowing … + READ MORE
    Water productivity is an important indicator of agricultural water use efficiency, defined as the crop yield per amount of water consumed, allowing us to understand the water consumption relative to crop production. This study aimed to estimate water productivity based on soil texture and rice cultivation period by measuring factors such as rice grain yield, evapotranspiration, and drainage using a weighable lysimeter. The water productivity was evaluated based on two criteria: 1) evapotranspiration water productivity (ETWP), 2) water output water productivity (WOWP), which considers water outflow (evapotranspiration + drainage). The soil textures used in the study were sandy loam (SL) and silty clay loam (SiCL), and the rice cultivation periods were divided into optimal and late seasons. Evapotranspiration and drainage data were collected and estimated using a weighing lysimeter. The three-year ETWP results showed a range of 0.54 - 1.28 for SL and 0.61 - 1.16 for SiCL, with a wider range observed in SL. When comparing the different cultivation periods, similar ranges were observed under all conditions. The WOWP results showed a range of 0.35 - 0.76 for SL and 0.52 - 1.00 for SiCL, indicating higher water productivity in SiCL. In particular, the late season with SiCL showed a higher WOWP range of 0.87 - 0.97. This study assessed water productivity by accurately measuring evapotranspiration and drainage with a weighable lysimeter. The findings offer scientific baseline data for estimating agricultural water use over time based on cultivation periods and soil properties. Estimation of ETWP and WOWP on different paddy soil texture and rice cultivation periods using lysimeter. Item Sandy loam Silty clay loam Optimum season Later season Optimum season Later season 2019 ETWP1 1.14 1.28 1.16 1.04 WOWP2 0.70 0.57 1.00 0.91 2020 ETWP 0.91 1.27 0.96 1.01 WOWP 0.61 0.76 0.73 0.97 2022 ETWP 0.54 1.22 0.61 0.93 WOWP 0.35 0.71 0.52 0.87 1Evapotranspiration water productivity. 2Water output water productivity. - COLLAPSE
    30 November 2024
  • Original research article

    Changes in the soil characteristics of Uljin forest by post-fire time and fire intensity
    Su-Ho Lee, Yeong-Dae Park
    This study examined the changes in soil physicochemical properties after a forest fire in Uljin, Gyeongsangbuk-do, which burned 16,800 ha in March … + READ MORE
    This study examined the changes in soil physicochemical properties after a forest fire in Uljin, Gyeongsangbuk-do, which burned 16,800 ha in March 2022. The study categorized the affected area into three fire intensity levels: low, middle, and high. Soil samples were collected 9 and 18 months post-fire from two depths (0 - 10 cm and 10 - 20 cm) to assess surface and subsurface layers. Soil pH decreased after the fire but did not return to pre-fire levels even after 18 months. Organic matter content declined significantly, especially in the surface layer (0 - 10 cm), with a stronger decrease in areas of higher fire intensity (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in available phosphorus and total nitrogen, possibly due to vegetation recovery post-fire. Cation exchange capacity (CEC) increased with fire intensity, but differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Correlation analysis showed strong positive relationships between Total nitrogen and CEC (r = 0.898**), organic matter (OM) and total nitrogen (r = 0.892**), and OM and CEC (r = 0.888**). Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that chemical properties like OM, total nitrogen, and CEC exhibited more variability than physical properties post-fire. This highlights the need for long-term soil restoration strategies focusing on organic matter replenishment, nitrogen supplementation, and recovery of CEC, which are crucial for ecosystem recovery after forest fires. Caption for Research highlight: Heatmap showing overall correlations among soil chemical properties after fire, emphasizing significant interactions across OM, TN and CEC. - COLLAPSE
    30 November 2024
  • Original research article

    Variation of soil physical properties in paddy land in Gangwon Province from 2007 to 2023
    Kyungdae Kim, Seongyu Hong, Sooyoung Hong, Youngho Seo, Kisun Kim
    The monitoring of soil physical properties is a field of agricultural environment change survey project, which started in 2007, and is conducted … + READ MORE
    The monitoring of soil physical properties is a field of agricultural environment change survey project, which started in 2007, and is conducted in accordance with the Rural Development Administration’s notice (2017-12) in Korea. This study aimed to evaluate the annual trends and changes based on the results of the soil physical property survey in Gangwon, South Korea. The main soil series of the paddy soils surveyed in Gangwon were Sacheon, Namgye, and Gangseo, which have a large area distribution of paddy soils in Gangwon, and the main topographical characteristics were valleys/alluvial fan and river alluvium. The plowing depth of the paddy soils in Gangwon was less than the appropriate depth of 20 cm, but it had been continuously increased since 2015. The bulk density of the subsoil was found to be in the range of 1.46 to 1.57 Mg m-3 during the survey period, exceeding the appropriate standard. The organic matter content showed an increasing trend in both topsoil and subsoil, and the hardness of subsoil was lower than the appropriate standard of 20 mm until 2015, but then greater than the appropriate standard in 2019 and 2023. The main soil textures were sandy loam, loam and silt loam. The results of the physical characteristics of the paddy soil in Gangwon showed that the plowing depth and organic matter content were increasing, but the bulk density and hardness were deteriorating, implying that soil improvement was necessary to decrease the bulk density and hardness. Distribution of soil texture of paddy soils in Gangwon State from 2007 to 2023. - COLLAPSE
    30 November 2024
  • Short communication

    Effect of bed soil using livestock manure biochar on initial growth of Kimchi cabbage
    Ikhyeong Lee, Han-Na Cho, Jae-Hyuk Park, Se-Won Kang
    Bed soil is a material with physical, chemical, and biological properties suitable for the production of high-quality seedlings. Moreover, it is a … + READ MORE
    Bed soil is a material with physical, chemical, and biological properties suitable for the production of high-quality seedlings. Moreover, it is a material that physically supports plants and supplies various nutrients and moisture necessary for the initial growth of crops. However, the price of cocopeat, the main raw material for bed soil, has risen sharply due to COVID-19 and the rise in international exchange rates, so a substitute for it is needed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of bed soil using livestock manure biochar (LMB) on the initial growth of Kimchi cabbage. The LMB complied with the process specifications of LMB in all other items except NaCl content, and the results of the fertilizer damage test showed no damage to crops. In the bed soil test, the germination rate, height, and leaf number of Kimchi cabbage were significantly higher in LMB0% and LMB2% treatments than any other treatments. However, the initial growth of Kimchi cabbage generally tended to decrease with the increasing rate of LMB application. Taken together, considering the benefits of livestock manure recycling, including environmental issues and carbon neutral, we propose the use of an appropriate LMB with a lower NaCl content in the bed soil cultivation. Growth index of Kimchi cabbage by bed soil using livestock manure biochar. - COLLAPSE
    30 November 2024
  • Short communication

    Comparison of fertilizer type and usage for fruit crops cultivation of Korea in 2018 and 2022
    Yu-Na Lee, Sin-Sil Kim, Jin-Ju Yun, Jae-Hong Shim, Sang-Ho Jeon, Ahn-Sung Roh, Soon-Ik Kwon, Seong-Heon Kim
    South Korea is one of countries that have high application rate of inorganic fertilizer and is known to cause significant environmental issues. … + READ MORE
    South Korea is one of countries that have high application rate of inorganic fertilizer and is known to cause significant environmental issues. The inorganic fertilizer to the soil has led to a nutrient supply that exceeds the nutrient requirements of crops, resulting in an excess of nutrients in agricultural soil. Hence, many agricultural policies have been legislated to reduce the fertilizer application rate since the 1990s. In this study, we investigated changes of fertilizer type and usage on fruit crops (pear, grape, apple, peach, jujube, persimmon, kiwi) in 2018 and 2022. In results, the average of total fertilizer inputs (N-P2O5-K2O) increased to 15.0-6.1-4.5 kg 10a-1 in 2022. Based on N, the total fertilizer usage of jujube was higher than other crops in 2018 and 2022. Moreover, the fertilizer usage for all crops exceeded the recommended levels. The order of contribution to total fertilizer use was compost > organic fertilizer > inorganic fertilizer. As a result, a primary concern of excess and use of fertilizers was focused on compost and organic fertilizers. Because of the high nutrient content of compost, the application rate of compost should be controlled and monitored. Therefore, the proper training and monitoring is required to reserve environmental sustainability and understand nutrient characteristics of fertilizer in fruit crop cultivation. Distribution of (a) total nutrient and gross nutrient input by (b) inorganic fertilizer, (c) organic fertilizer and (d) compost in major fruit crops (2018 and 2022). - COLLAPSE
    30 November 2024
  • Short communication

    Changes in N2O emissions from agricultural water samples with storage time at low temperature measured with headspace methods
    Young-Jae Jeong, Jong-Mun Lee, Minji Lee, Hyoung-Seok Lee, Sun-Il Lee, Hye-Ran Park
    This study aimed to evaluate the changes in nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from agricultural water samples stored under different conditions, … + READ MORE
    This study aimed to evaluate the changes in nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from agricultural water samples stored under different conditions, specifically refrigerated at 4°C and frozen at -16°C, over various time periods using the headspace method. Water samples were collected from agricultural runoff and analyzed for water nutrients parameters, including pH, EC, TN, TOC, PO4-P. N2O emissions were measured immediately after sample collection (0 day) and after storage for 5 and 7 days. The results indicated that N2O emissions decreased significantly over time, with a marked reduction in both refrigerated and frozen samples. In refrigerated samples, N2O emissions decreased by 41% after 5 days and by 78% after 7 days. In frozen samples, a similar trend was refrigerated samples, with emissions decreasing by 60% after 5 days and by 66% after 7 days. These findings highlight the critical impact of storage conditions and duration on the accuracy of N2O emission measurements. These findings can inform better practices for assessing indirect N2O emissions in agricultural water management. Changes in headspace N2O (N2OHS) and dissolved N2O (N2ODIS) concentration in refrigerated and frozen during 0, 5, 7 days. - COLLAPSE
    30 November 2024
  • Short communication

    Chemical characteristics of agricultural groundwater with different land use type, period, and season in Gangwon province from 2021 to 2023
    Bo-Min Kim, Dong-Min Kim, Seong-Yu Hong, Soo-Young Hong, Ki-Sun Kim, Young-Ho Se
    From 2021 to 2023, the water quality of agricultural groundwater in Gangwon State was investigated. pH, EC, total nitrogen (T-N), total phosphorus … + READ MORE
    From 2021 to 2023, the water quality of agricultural groundwater in Gangwon State was investigated. pH, EC, total nitrogen (T-N), total phosphorus (T-P), NO3-N, Cl, Na, Mg, K, and Ca were measured in April and July every year and analyzed by land use type, season, and year. pH, EC, and T-P showed little differences regardless of the type of land use and season. Total nitrogen was low in paddy fields compared with the other land use type and showed greater value in July than in April, and tended to increase from 2021 to 2023. The concentrations of Cl, Na, Mg, K, and Ca in groundwater were highest in the greenhouse fields and were slightly greater in July than in April, but there was no clear pattern by year. Groundwater pH exceeded the water quality standard by 10 - 20% in paddy fields, and NO3-N concentrations in groundwater exceeded by 20 - 40% in upland fields and by 10-20% in greenhouse fields. The results obtained in the study implying that agricultural groundwater in Gangwon State was generally suitable for agricultural purpose. Ratio (%) of exceeded water quality standard of agricultural groundwater in Gangwon State, Korea. Year pH (%) NO3-N (%) Cl (%) Paddy Upland Green house Paddy Upland Green house Paddy Upland Green house 2021 10.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 20.0 10.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2022 20.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 40.0 20.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2023 10.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 30.0 15.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - COLLAPSE
    30 November 2024
  • Short communication

    Optimization of Inorganic fertilization for plantain (Plantago major L.) cultivation as a nutrient-rich feed for herbivorous small pets
    Donguk Lim, Sohee Yoon, Sang Yoon Kim
    With the growing interest in companion animals, there is a corresponding increase in the diversity of the required feeding materials. Particularly, plantain … + READ MORE
    With the growing interest in companion animals, there is a corresponding increase in the diversity of the required feeding materials. Particularly, plantain (Plantago major L.) has been newly considered a beneficial feeding material for promoting the health of herbivorous small pets and achieving nutritional balance. However, its optimum fertilization strategy has been rarely investigated so far. This study focused on suggesting optimum fertilization level to maximize the biomass productivity and its nutritional value as the feed, including crude protein, phosphorus, and calcium etc. A pot experiment was conducted with different fertilization regimes (N, P2O5, and K2O) at four application levels [0%, 100% (N-P2O5-K2O = 150-100-200 kg ha-1), 200%, and 300%]. Our results showed that the highest biomass productivity was found at the 100% treatment with the application level of inorganic fertilizers. Based on the quadratic regression analysis, the maximum plantain shoot biomass productivity was estimated when 320 kg ha-1 of N, 185 kg ha-1 of P2O5 and 296 kg ha-1 of K2O were applied as the optimum fertilization level, showing 7.5 g d.w pot-1, 7.2 g d.w pot-1 and 7.1 g d.w pot-1, respectively. Irrespective of fertilization regimes, the overall chemical composition and feed value of plantain showed no significant differences among treatments. Notably, the high Ca/P ratio, reaching approximately 2, indicates the plantain is qualified as a feeding material for herbivorous animals. In conclusion, our study offers valuable insights into optimal inorganic fertilization levels to maximize plantain biomass and enhance its nutritional value for herbivorous small pet feed, with potential benefits for the agricultural and feed industries. However, additional field experiments should be required to determine more accurate fertilization levels, possibly considering different experimental conditions such as soil fertility and planting density. Optimum Application Level by Quadratic Regression Analysis of Shoot Biomass Productivity in Response to Inorganic Fertilizations in Plantago major L. - COLLAPSE
    30 November 2024
  • Review

    Characteristics of slow- and controlled-release fertilizers and their agrnomic and environmental effects: a short review
    Tae-Il Moon, Jong Hyeong Lee, Hyun-Hwoi Ku
    Globally, the demand and use of mineral fertilizers is increasing to ensure crop production. Mineral fertilizers supply essential plant nutrients for crop … + READ MORE
    Globally, the demand and use of mineral fertilizers is increasing to ensure crop production. Mineral fertilizers supply essential plant nutrients for crop growth, but inappropriate or excess use of the fertilizers causes nutrients loss in the soils and negative impacts on the environment, resulting socio-economic concerns. Accordingly, there is a demand for cultivation technology that improves the nutrient use efficiency of crops while minimizes environmental load, and one of the alternatives to this demand is to develop slow- or controlled-release fertilizers (SRF or CRF). This paper presents a review of literature of SRF and CRF related to crop growth, nutrient use efficiency (NUE), non-point source pollution, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. The aim of the current review is to develop technical understanding of the conventional slow- and controlled-release fertilizers and associated with the release mechanisms for crop growth. The fertilizers can be classified into two types, controlled-release fertilizers by physical phenomenon of osmosis and diffusion and slow-release fertilizers by microbial or chemical decomposition in soils. And the nutrient release of the fertilizers can be controlled depending on the properties and physical characteristics of coating materials. In general, SRF or CRF releases nutrients in linear, parabolic, and sigmoidal forms. The most ideal form is the sigmoidal that matches the crop nutrient demand, thereby improves NUE and crop productivity and reduces non-point source pollution and GHGs emission over the growing season. Sigmoidal release of nutrients is synchronized with the crop nutrients requirement over the growing season. - COLLAPSE
    30 November 2024
  • Opinion

    Challenges for improved coordination of government soil test databases and maps in Korea

    Juyeon Park, Juhwan Lee

    The Republic of Korea has extensive data (HeukToram) and maps related to soil attributes. Since the 1960s, the Rural Development … + READ MORE
    The Republic of Korea has extensive data (HeukToram) and maps related to soil attributes. Since the 1960s, the Rural Development Administration (RDA) has conducted nationwide soil testing and mapping for commercial fields. This Korean Soil Information System, which continues to expand through data collection by local Agricultural Technology Extension Centers (ATC), is the primary official resource for supporting growers with organic matter management and chemical fertilization. While the database provides broad national coverage and fulfills its initial purpose, its application is mostly limited to farm or field levels. Several challenges undermine the data’s reliability and broader applicability, limiting its contribution to regional and global databases. This opinion paper addresses issues related to impractical data utilization, human errors in soil test results, spatial inaccuracies in soil maps, and the limitation of attributes and field-level soil profiling. It also proposes actions to improve the effectiveness and scope of these databases. TThe Republic of Korea has extensive soil data in the Korean Soil Information System (KSIS) but faces challenges in coordinating government soil test databases and maps. - COLLAPSE
    30 November 2024
  • Opinion

    Mixed biochar produced from agroforestry by-product and livestock manure feedstocks as a solution of heavy metals and salts problems
    yung-Hwa Han, Seok-In Yun, Jin-Hyeob Kwak
    Soil application of biochar from livestock manure (LM) is an environmentally friendly way to treat excess LM and for enhanced soil carbon … + READ MORE
    Soil application of biochar from livestock manure (LM) is an environmentally friendly way to treat excess LM and for enhanced soil carbon sequestration to remove atmosphere CO2. However, high copper, zinc, and salt contents in LM bring concerns on the wide use of LM biochar for soil application. In this study, the copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and salt contents of LM biochar were estimated using national monitoring database of the heavy metals and salt in the LM composts and the experimental measurement on biochar yield from cow manure including bedding materials. The average of the estimated Zn and salt contents, except of Cu, of LM biochar exceeded the threshold of the national standard. A feasible solution of this problem is increasing the mixing ratio of agroforestry by-products (AB) with low heavy metals and salt content when producing biochar using LM to meet the national standard. Mixed biochar, proposed a new biochar type in the present study, is defined as a biochar made from mixed feedstocks of LM and AB at varying mixing ratios above 30% AB feedstock as the current national standard for LM biochar allows mixing AB below 30% to LM. The mixed biochar may be highly useful as a soil amendment because of the co-advantages from LM (e.g., high nutrient contents) and AB (e.g., high recalcitrance) feedstocks. Therefore, it is expected that the inclusion of the mixed biochar as a new type of biochar in the legal standards will be of help for increased and efficiency production and utilization of biochar in agricultural, forestry, and livestock industry sectors. New biochar types with different mixing ratio of agroforestry by-product (AB) and livestock manure (LM) feedstocks (ABB, AB biochar; LMB, LM biochar). - COLLAPSE
    30 November 2024