A Study on the Growth Status of the Large Old Trees as the Natural Monuments of Korea

천연기념물 노거수의 생육현황에 관한 연구

This study was performed to suggest growth status data of the large old trees as the natural monuments of Korea. Field investigation of 70 large old trees as the natural monuments of Korea was carried out in Seoul, Inchon, Kyungki, Chungbuk, Chungnam, Chonbuk, Chonnam. The main field of this study is classified into the growth condition, soil state and management situation. The results of this study are below : The age distribution of the large old trees as the natural monuments of Korea is as follows : above l00years in 5.9%, above 200years in 8.9%, above 300 years in 11.8%, above 400 years in 16.2%, above 500 years in 16.2% and above 600years in 41.1%. Location types of the large old trees as the natural monuments of Korea are found in 11 types; the types are hill side(22.9%), historical monument area(15.7%), field(l4.3%) and building area(12.9%), etc. Also, growth type of the trees is individually placed. In the aspect of soil environment, the acidification of soils has been appearing in all surveyed areas, and the soil of Seoul area has much acidum phosphoricum because of excessive fertilizer. Finally, in management situation. major factors inhibiting growth of the large old trees as the natural monuments of Korea are soil covering of protruded root above ground, soil hardening by human, embankments, small area that has been surrounded fence. Continuous monitoring and accumulation of status data are necessary to preserve the large old trees as the natural monuments of Korea.