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Nursery practices are considered major factors influencing seedling quality, which are likely to be maintained in the early establishment phase in the field. Here, we investigated the effects of container depth and substrate heterogeneity on the growth of Populus sibirica nodal seedlings to suggest an effective nursery practice for producing quality seedlings appropriate for forest establishment in a dry environment. We used two substrate heterogeneities (homogeneous and heterogeneous) and two container depth treatments (30 and 60 cm). Variations in root collar diameter (RCD) growth, height growth, stem and root biomass, root to stem ratio, and root mass in the first 15 cm depth from the soil surface across the treatments were computed. Results revealed that both substrate heterogeneity and container depth had no significant effects on the RCD and height growth of P. sibirica seedlings but significantly improved their root and stem biomass. Seedlings in the 60 cm containers generally accumulated higher root biomass than those in the 30 cm containers. There was an interaction effect of container depth and substrate heterogeneity treatments on root and total dry mass, such that seedlings grown in the 60 cm container using heterogeneous substrate resulted in the highest root and total biomass. Analyses of proportional root growth in the upper 15 cm of the containers compared to the total indicated that both the main effects of deeper containers (60 cm) and heterogeneous substrate have fewer roots at this depth, indicating a greater root density in the bottom of the deeper containers. Therefore, deeper containers and heterogeneous substrate may be used as an effective nursery practice to produce seedlings with root traits potentially suitable for harsh conditions, such as arid and semi-arid environments. However, further studies using other seedling morphological traits in conjunction with field-trial tests are needed for a definitive assessment of the effectiveness of deeper containers and heterogeneous substrate in producing good quality seedlings potentially suitable in a dry environment.

Relationships between saturated conductivity (Ks) and separate contents were evaluated from 44 soil series of arable lands: 18 for paddy fields and 26 for upland crop fields. Saturated hydraulic conductivities of A, B, and C horizons were determined with tension infiltrometer and Guelph permeameter in situ. Sand, silt, clay, and organic matter content of each horizon were analyzed. Based on correlation analysis, sand separate had a positive relationship with Ks for both paddy (r=0.27, p=0.017) and upland fields (r=0.24. p=0.030). Clay content had a negative relationship with Ks for paddy soils (r=-0.32, p=0.005) while significant correlation between them was not found for upland crop fields (r=-0.20, p=0.07). Organic matter content showed a positive relationship with Ks only for upland crop fields (r=0.33, p=0.002). Due to low correlation coefficients between separate contents and Ks, performance of pedotransfer functions was not enough to estimate Ks. It implies that hydraulic properties of arable lands were affected by other factors rather than particle characteristics. Platy structure and plow pan were suggested to limit Ks of paddy fields. Soil compaction and diversity of parent materials were proposed to influence Ks of upland crop fields. It suggests that genetic processes and artificial managements should be included in pedotransfer functions to estimate hydraulic properties appropriately.

The objectives of this study were to select optimal soil amendments through analysis of heavy metal availability in soil and uptake to Aster koraiensis Nakai for forest rehabilitation of heavy metal contaminated soil of abandoned metal mine. A. koraiensis was cultivated for 6 months at contaminated soil with several soil treatments (bottom ash 1 and 2%, fly ash 1 and 2%, waste lime+oyster 1 and 2%, Acid mine drainage sludge (AMDS) 10 and 20%, compost 3.4%, non-contaminated natural forest soil, and control). The analysis results of heavy metal concentrations in the soil by Mehlich-3 mehthod, growth and heavy metal concentrations of A. koraiensis showed that waste oyster+lime 1% and compost were more effective than the other amendments for phytostabilization. However, it is needed comprehensive review of factors such as on-site condition, slope covering to reduce soil erosion and vegetation introduction from surround forest for revegetation to apply forest rehabilitation.

Mine soils are usually unfavorable for plant growth due to their acidic condition and low contents of organic matter and nutrients. To investigate the effect of organic material and lime on nitrogen processes in an acidic metal mine soil, we conducted an incubation experiment with treating livestock manure compost, dolomite, and oyster shell and measured soil pH, dehydrogenase activity, and concentration of soil inorganic N (NH₄ + and NO₃ - ). Compost increased not nly soil inorganic N concentration, but also soil pH from 4.4 to 4.8 and dehydrogenase activity from 2.4 to 3.9 μg TPF g -1 day -1 . Applying lime with compost significantly (P -1 day -1 ) compared with applying only compost. Here, the variation in dehydrogenase activity was significantly (P

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of soil neutralizing treatments on soil characteristics and growth of Aster koraiensis in the acid soil of abandoned metal mine for selection of proper neutralizer. The most effective neutralizers were acid mine drainage sludge, waste lime + oyster and compost. Those neutralizing treatments showed promoting growth of Aster koraiensis. According to this study, it is applicable of acid mine drainage sludge, waste lime + oyster and compost to neutralize acid soil for rehabilitation in abandoned metal mine. However, follow-up study is necessary to calculate proper ratio of each neutralizer.

The objectives of this study were to investigate soil chemical characteristics for forest rehabilitation and suggest management in abandoned coal mine areas in Boryeong City, Chungcheongnam-do. Total study sites were seven sites, and soil properties analyzed were soil pH, total organic carbon (TOC), total-N, C/N ratio, and available P2O5 (A.v. P). Average soil pH (range) was 5.9 (4.5～7.0). Three study sites (Samgwang, Shinsung1, and Shimwon1) showed lower soil pH than standard (pH 5.6~7.3) of Korea Industrial Standards (KS) for abandoned coal mine forest rehabilitation. Average contents of TOC, and total-N were 1.5% (0.1～4.7%), and 0.10% (0.03～0.23%), respectively. Five study sites where the collapsed time was less than 10 years (Wangjashingang, Wonpoong, Samgwang, Shinsung1, and Shinsung2) showed lower TOC level than standard of KS (more than 1.2%). Wangjashingang, Wonpoong, Samgwang, and Shinsung1 showed lower level of total-N than standard of KS (more than 0.09%). C/N ratio of six study sites except Shimwon1 was out of proper range (15:1~30:1). Average A.v. P (range) was 20.7 mg kg-1(4.8～63.1), less than other abandoned coal mine fores rehabilitation areas in Mungyong City, and Hwasun-gun. TOC, total N and A.v. P increased with elapsed time from forest rehabilitation, while other soil properties did not show distinct pattern. Betula platyphylla was planted in Samkwang and Sinsung where soil pH was less than KS standard. Because the growth of Betula platyphylla can be limited in acid soil, it is necessary to neutralize soil pH to proper level with some soil amendment such as lime or shell of oyster. Furthermore, TOC, total-N and A.v. P in early stage of forest rehabilitation showed lower level than proper to vegetation growth. Therefore it needs continuous monitoring of soil characteristics and fertilization for vegetation growth and influx from surrounding forest in early stage of rehabilitation.

Decision of available soil depth based on soil physical and hydraulic properties for the 3 rd Landscape Vegetation Project in the Incheon International Airport was attempted. The soil samples were collected from the 8 sites at different depths, 0-20 and 20-60cm, for the three project fields, A, B, and C area. Physical and chemical properties including particle size distribution, organic matter content and electrical conductivity were analyzed. Hydrological properties including bulk density and water holding capacity at different water potential, -6 kPa, -10 kPa, -33 kPa, and -1500 kPa were calculated by SPAW model of Saxton and Rawls (2006), and air entry value was calculated by Campbell model (1985). Based on physical and hydrological limitation, feasibility and design criteria of soil depth for vegetation and landfill were recommended. Since the soil salinity of the soil in area A area was 19.18 dS m -1 in top soil and 22.27 dS m -1 in deep soil, respectively, landscape vegetation without amendment would not be possible on this area. Available soil depth required for vegetation was 2.51 m that would secure root zone water holding capacity, capillary fringe, and porosity. Available soil depth required for landscape vegetation of the B area soil was 1.51 m including capillary fringe 0.14 m and available depth for 10% porosity 1.35 m. The soils in this area were feasible for landscape vegetation. The soil in area C was feasible for bottom fill purpose only due to low water holding capacity.

The aim of this study is to develop eco-friendly, fundamental technology for vegetative restoration of barren lands using green rehabilitation material, for the stabilization of abandoned mine debris slopes and depository slopes composed of rock fragments. It is expected that such methods would help to improve the negative view of artificial slopes that remain following mining activity, while also contributing to slope stabilization and prevention of the loss of rock fragments and the dispersion of tailings. We tested the tensile strength and tear strength of various materials, including commonly used natural coir material, natural fibers, and synthetic textile materials with enhanced durability. In conclusion, there is the possibility that natural coir can be used as an eco-friendly material in vegetation restoration, while its durability in natural conditions can be improved by controlling the degree of knot convolution and by antibacterial treatment against biodegradation.

The objectives of this study were to investigate soil chemical properties for forest rehabilitation and suggest design and management in abandoned coal mine areas in Mungyeong, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Total study sites were 10 sites, and soil analysis particular were soil pH, TOC, total-N, C/N ratio, A.v. , and CEC. Because most of study sites showed soil pH from 5.0 to 7.0, it seems that soil pH does not affect growth of vegetation. But soil pH in Danbong1 was acidic (pH 4.6), so it is needed to improve with ameliorant such as limestone. Most of study sites is necessary to manage for organic matter and Nitrogen, because there sites showed lower value of TOC and total-N than general forest. The values of A.v. and CEC were good in most of study sites, so it seems that they do not have effect on vegetation growth. All of soil factors has no regression according to elapsed time after rehabilitation. TOC, total-N and A.v. among soil properties have positive relationship between each other. It is necessary to fertilizer for organic matter and Nitroge because of value in TOC, total-N and C/N ratio. The results of this study were analyzed only one time. So, long-term monitoring for soil properties is important for the correct forest rehabilitation and management.

The objectives of this study were to investigate soil chemical characteristics for forest rehabilitation and suggest management in abandoned coal mine areas in Hwasun-gun, South Jeolla Province. Total study sites were 8 sites, and soil analysis particular were soil pH, TOC, total-N, C/N ratio, Avail. P2O5, and CEC. Average soil pH was 5.8 (4.7～6.4). Average contents of TOC, total-N and C/N ratio were 1.1% (0.2～2.0%), 0.08% (0.02～0.13%) and 15.0 (7.9～31.4), respectively. Average Avail. P2O5 was 8.3 mg kg -1 (2.7～15.0) and Average CEC was 13.7 cmolc ㎏ -1 (9.9～18.5 cmolc ㎏ -1 ). Soil pH was decreased according to elapsed time from forest rehabilitation, while TOC, total N and CEC were increased. Av. P2O5 did not show any relationship with elapsed time. Soil pH was stable comparing with general forest soil in South Jeolla Province (5.1), while contents of TOC and total N were lower than general forest soil in South Jeolla Province (4.9% and 0.18%, respectively). Therefore, sustainable managements such as fertilization for TOC and total N are necessary for good rooting and growth of vegetation.