Short communication
Due to climate change, urbanization and the reduction of arable land protected cultivation systems are increasingly being adopted to ensure stable and sustainable crop production. However, the enclosed structures limited space and continuous cropping practices in protected cultivation accelerate changes in soil conditions, particularly the deterioration of soil physical properties. Within Gyeonggi Province, 40 sites were surveyed annually from 2016 to 2024. Soil physical properties that could represent the characteristics of each site were compared and analyzed. soil physical characteristics in protected cultivation areas varied depending on regional and topographical conditions. Notably, a significant increase in bulk density and soil hardness was observed in the subsoil layers during the study period. These changes are attributed to repeated shallow tillage in confined spaces, reliance on conventional equipment, insufficient deep tillage and inadequate drainage and aeration. The results suggest that current soil management practices have primarily targeted surface layers, neglecting the subsoil. Therefore, improving subsoil structure and physical properties is essential for the long-term sustainability of protected cultivation systems. Regular monitoring of soil physical properties should be implemented. Technical solutions may include the application of compost and organic composite materials, as well as proper control of tillage depth. These practices can alleviate soil compaction and enhance aeration in deeper layers, contributing to the maintenance of soil health in protected cultivation. A long-term soil management strategy should integrate both surface and subsoil improvement measures.
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- Publisher :Korean Society of Soil Science and Fertilizer
- Publisher(Ko) :한국토양비료학회
- Journal Title :Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
- Journal Title(Ko) :한국토양비료학회 학회지
- Volume : 58
- No :4
- Pages :655-662
- Received Date : 2025-09-16
- Revised Date : 2025-11-03
- Accepted Date : 2025-11-10
- DOI :https://doi.org/10.7745/KJSSF.2025.58.4.655
Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
