• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.103-116
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• 2023

Background: This study analyzed the physiological adaptations of a woody plant, Vitex rotundifolia, in Goraebul coastal sand dunes from May to September 2022. Environmental factors and physiological of plants growing under field and controlled (pot) conditions were compared. Results: Photosynthesis in plants growing in the coastal sand dunes and pots was the highest in June 2022 and July 2022, respectively. Chlorophyll fluorescence indicated the presence of stress in the coastal sand dune environment. The net photosynthesis rate (P_N) and Y(II) were highest in June in the coastal sand dune environment and July in the pot environment. In August and September, Y(NPQ) increased in the plants in the coastal sand dune environment, showing their photoprotective mechanism. Chlorophyll a and b contents in the pot plant leaves were higher than those in the coastal sand dune plant leaves; however, chlorophyll-a/b ratio was higher in the coastal sand dune plant leaves than in the pot plant leaves, suggesting a relatively high photosynthetic efficiency. Carotenoid content in the coastal sand dune plant leaves was higher in August and September 2022 than that in the pot plant leaves. Leaf water and soluble carbohydrate contents of the coastal sand dune plant leaves decreased in September 2022, leading to rapid leaf abscission. Diurnal variations in photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence in both environments showed peak activity at 12:00 hour; however, the coastal sand dune plants had lower growth rates and Y(II) than the pot plants. Plants in the coastal sand dunes had higher leaf water and ion contents, indicating that they adapted to water stress through osmotic adjustments. However, plants growing in the coastal sand dunes exhibited reduced photosynthetic activity and accelerated decline due to seasonal temperature decreases. These findings demonstrate the adaptation mechanisms of V. rotundifolia to water stress, poor soils, and high temperature conditions in coastal sand dunes. Conclusions: The observed variations indicate the responses of the V. rotundifolia to environmental stress, and may reveal its survival strategies and adaptation mechanisms to stress. The results provide insights into the ecophysiological characteristics of V. rotundifolia and a basis for the conservation and restoration of damaged coastal sand dunes.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.135-142
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• 2007

We used the Braun-Blanquet method to study coastal dune vegetation of South Korea. Coastal vegetation was monitored in thirty sites from April 2004 to September 2005. Seventeen plant communities were classified into five groups as follows: A. Two associations of herbaceous sand dune plants in Salsoletea komarovii Ohba, Miyawaki et Tx. 1973 (Calystegia soldanella community, Lathyrus japonicus-Calystegia soldanella community), B. Twelve associations of herbaceous perennial sand dune plants in Glehnietea littoralis Ohba, Miyawaki et Tx. 1973 (Carex pumila community, Elymus mollis community, Vitex rotundifolia-Elymus mollis community, Ixeris repens community, Elymus mollis-Ixeris repens community, Lathyrus japonicus community, Messershmidia sibirica community, Glehnia littoralis community, Carex kobomugi community, Calystegia solda-nella-Carex kobomugi community, Ishaemum anthephoroides community, Zoysia macrostachya community), C. One association of shrubby perennial sand dune plant in Viticetea rotundifoliae Ohba, Miyawaki et Tx. 1973 (Vitex rotundifolia community), D. One association of shrubby perennial sand dune plant in Rosetea multiflorae Ohba, Miyawaki et Tx. 1973 (Rosa rugosa community), E. The naturalized community (Diodia teres community).

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.167-175
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• 2012

Coastal sand dune systems are particularly fragile and threaten the environment. However, these systems provide fundamental ecosystem services to the nearby urban areas, acting, for example, as protective buffers against erosion. In this paper, we attempt to classify the biotope types of coastal sand dune ecosystems and select an index for the assessment of the conservation value. The types of biotopes are categorized based on the vegetation map; floras are examined in order to research the effects of hinterlands on coastal sand dunes. In addition, a naturalization rate and an urbanization index for each biotope type in hinterlands are analyzed. In the ecosystem of coastal sand dunes, the urbanization index and naturalization rate shows a higher value in sand dunes with areas of road, residential, and idle land in farm villages, rice fields, and fields. On the contrary, a lower value in the urbanization index and naturalization rate is present when typical biotope types, such as sand dune vegetation and natural Pinus thunbergii forests, are widely distributed. Based on these results, urbanization index and naturalization rate should be used as critical indices for the assessment of the ecosystem of costal sand dunes.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.17-29
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• 2016

We conducted the study on the relationship between the distribution of coastal sand dune plants and edaphic factors from the shoreline to inland in sand dune ecosystem. The application of TWINSPAN classification based on 10 species, led to the recognition of three vegetative groups (A-C), which associated with their habitats (foredune, hummuck in semistable zone and stable zone). The associations were separated along soil gradient far from the seashore. The relationships between species composition and environmental gradients were explained by canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). Distance from the shoreline was an important indicator to determine soil properties (pH, total ion contents, sand particle sizes, organic matters and nitrogen contents) from the seaward area to inland area and distribution pattern of coastal sand dune plants. Group A is foredune zone, characterized by Calystegia soldanella; group included typical foredune species such as Elymus mollis, Carex kobomugi, Ixeris repens, C. soldanella and Glehnia littoralis. Group B on semi-stabilized zone was characterized by Vitex rotundifolia, a perennial woody shrub. This group was associated the proportion of fine sand size (100 to 250 μm). The results on the proportion of soil particle size showed a transition in sand composition, particularly with respect to the proportion of fine sand size that occurred from the foredune ridge at 32.5 m to the Vitex rotundifolia community at 57.5 m from the shoreline. Group C on stabilized zone was characterized by Zoysia macrostachya, Lathyrus japonicus and Cynodon dactylon and were associated soil organic matter and nitrogen contents. The spatial distribution of plants in the Goraebul coastal sand dune system may result from the interactions between the plant species and environmental heterogeneity.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.321-328
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• 1998

To describe the major environmental factors operating in coastal wetland and to characterize the distribution of the plant species over the wetland in relation to the major environmental gradients, 12 soil physical and chemical properties were determined. The gradient of water and osmotic potential of soil, electrical conductivity, sodium and chloride content and soil texture alsong the three habitat types of salt marshes, salt swamp and sand dune were occurred. The 24 coastal plant communities from principal component analysis (PCA) on the 12 variables were at designated as a gradient for soil texture and water potential related with salinity by Axis I and as a gradient for soil moisture and total nitrogen gradient by Axis II On Axis I were divided into 3 groups (1) 9 salt marsh communities including Salicornia herbacea communities (2) 5 salt swamp communities including Scirpus fluviatilis communities and (3) 10 sand dune communities including Jmperata cylindrica communities on Axis II were divided into 2 groups (1) salt marsh and sand dune communities, and (2) 3 salt swamp communities. The results could account for the zonation of plant communities on coastal wetland observed alsong envionmental gradients.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.31-44
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• 2024

The coastal dune ecosystem is one of the ecosystems under the most development pressure in Korea. Therefore, it is necessary to study the ecological location and related ecological phenomena of coastal dune plants, but related studies are lacking. Through this study, we intend to conduct research on the structure and restoration of dune plants, focusing on the coastal dunes in Jeju Island, which are affected by artificial development pressure and the continuous increase in tourists among many coastal dunes in Korea. Ecosystems of coastal sand dunes for vegetation survey in Jeju Island are selected based on naturalness and preservation. In this study, 23 major coastal dunes on Jeju Island including Udo were selected. In the coastal dunes of Jeju Island, a whole species survey and quadrat survey were carried out. The vegetation survey at study sites were conducted on May to September 2022, when the vegetation is clearly visible. At the survey site, the dune area was identified at the beginning and the plant species were recorded until no more new species appeared. Vegetation survey in the field was performed by 103 quadrat establishments and was conducted using Braun-Blanquet method. A total of 277 species appeared, and the most common species were Vitex rotundifolia and Calystegia soldanella. The frequency of both Vitex rotundifolia and Calystegia soldanella was approximately over 90%. The proportion of woody and herbaceous in all emerging species was 7.2% and 92.8%, respectively. The total number of species found in the quadrat survey was 98. As a result of classifying plant communities based on species dominance in the quadrats, it was analyzed into 30 plant communities. The plant communities that appeared with a frequency of 2 or more on the main island of Jeju were Vitex rotundifolia, Imperata cylindrica var. koenigii, Ischaemum antephoroides, Wedelia prostrata, Elymus mollis, Calystegia soldanella, Artemisia scoparia, and Tetragonia tetragonoides. The DCCA(detrended canonical correspondence analysis) based on the vegetation and environment factor matrix showed that the height and covers of the dominant plant species explain significantly the variation and distribution of coastal sand dune species on Jeju island. Thus, we may propose a plan to restore the coastal dunes of Jeju island as helping colonization and establishment of mainly sand dune native perennials and trees, preserving native plant communities that are declining and preserving present tree strips of Pinus thunbergii, Litsea japonica, Pittosporum tobira and Vitex rotundifolia.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.35-50
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• 2017

This study is to see the recovery effect of the Deltacon method by investigating the amount of sand deposition, the topographical cross section and the vegetation structure; and to derive the effective recovery method of coastal erosion area. The target areas of this study include Jinri coastal dune, Bajireum coastal dune and Seopori coastal dune in Deokjeok-do Island, Ongjin-gun, Incheon. In order to assess the current status of the coastal erosion area recovery, the soil profile structure map was prepared on the site and then the amount of sand deposition within 1m was calculated indoors. The vegetation recovery status of the costal erosion area was assessed via the analyses of the topographical profile structure and the plant community structure, and we aim to derive the effective recovery plan of the Deltacon method with the results. With the Deltacon method, structures with ductile material, special non-woven fabric bags filled with soil and vegetation can be performed therefore the structuralstability and prevention of sand erosion can be achieved. The amounts of sand deposition of Bajireum coastal dune, Seopori costal dune and Jinri costal dune were calculated $0.98{\sim}2.54m^3$, $1.02{\sim}2.96m^3$, and $0.27{\sim}0.75m^3$, respectively, and it is considered that the costal erosion recovery is actively performed for Bajireum costal dune and Seopori costal dune. The analysis results of vegetation structures by topography show that the installation of the send collecting net in steep areas has been highly effective and the Deltacon-constructed target areas have been restored to vegetation and the costal dune, which is similar to the natural dune. The investigation of the plant community structure in Deokjeok-do Island costal dune, Incheon displayed similar research results of the existing costal dune flora and confirmed the emergence of Lathyrus japonicus, Carex kobomugi, Elymus mollis, Vitex rotundifolia, and Calystegia soldanella and others. In order to carry out further effective recovery with the Deltacon method, improvements to rootage of herbaceous vegetation are needed in areas without foredune herbaceous vegetation, and continuos maintenance & management monitoring of connected windbreak forest to costal dunes are also necessary.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.300-310
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• 2013

The coastal sand-dune plants of eight species; Argusia sibirica, Calystegia soldanella, Elymus mollis, Lithospermum zollingeri, Raphanus sativus, Salsola collina, Zoysia macrostachya, and Zoysia sinica were collected from the Shindu-ri coastal sand dune. Ninety-eight endophytic fungal strains were isolated from the roots of these plants, analyzed, and identified by sequences in their internal transcribed spacers (ITS) at the ITS1, 5.8S, and ITS2 regions. The diversity of endophytic fungi isolated from coastal sand-dune plants was confirmed with various diversity indices. The fungal strains belonged to thirteen orders: Capnodiales (3.09%), Eurotiales (70.10%), Glomerellales (1.03%), Helotiales (3.09%), Hypocreales (9.28%), Mortierellales (2.06%), Onygenales (1.03%), Ophiostomatales (1.03%), Pleosporales (1.03%), Polyporales (1.03%), Russulales (1.03%), Saccharomycetales (2.06%), and Xylariales (1.03%). Of the endophytic fungal strains collected, Penicillium (59.18% in Eurotiales) and Fusarium (5.10% in Hypocreales) were the most abundant in coastal sand-dune plants. The endophytic fungal strains isolated from C. soldanella were more diverse compared to strains from the other coastal sand-dune plants.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.35 no.10
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• pp.687-693
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• 2013

Coastal sand dunes have been seriously damaged caused by the development thoughtless for the environment and coastal erosion and destruction due to artificial structures like coast roads and breakwater. Hereupon, in this study we made a library of rhizobacteria that have the plant growth-promoting ability for plant rhizosphere of indigenous plants inhabiting in a coastal sand dune as well as the strong tolerance to salt, and evaluated the plant growth-promoting ability of these strains. Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of rhizobacteria on the growth rate of saline tolerant plants in sandy soil; selected out the most useful micro-organism for the restoration of a damaged sand dune. The effect of inoculation of strains selected from the first experiment on the growth of Peucedanum japonicum and Arundo donaxes planted in a coastal sand dune was evaluated. As a result, Bacillus aerius MH1RS1 had plant growth promoting activities: indole acetic acid (IAA) production, siderophores and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase (ACC deaminase) activity, and also had a salinity tolerance. Also, in case of Peucedanum japonicum, the length of stems and weights of roots were enhanced by the inoculation of B. aerius MH1RS1. Fresh weights of stems and weights of roots in experimental group were, in particular, increased by 25% comparing with the control group. For an Arundo donax in experimental group, plant length increased by 18%, and weight of roots by 20% which is significant.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.290-298
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• 2007

The results of this research on the diversity, zonation of vegetation and micro-topography by TWINSPAN classification and DECORANA ordination, executed with Sinduri coastal dunes of Korea, are as follows: The vegetation and micro-topography of coastal dunes formed a noticeably clear zonation structure. The beach in the direction of the coastline saw a lot of appearance of Salsola komarovi and the primary dune was dominated by Elymus mollis. Imperata cylindrica var. koenigii and Carex pumila formed a colony at flat area of the sand hills and Calamagrostis epigeios was widely distributed at the wet slack. The secondary dune was dominated mostly by Ischaemum anthephoroides and Imperata cylindrica var. koenigii, and it showed an aspect of the distribution of Vitex rotundifolia and Rosa rugosa. while the hinterland hillside in the direction of inland was dominated by Robinia pseudo-acacia and Pinus thunbergii. However, Carex kobomugi, known as the pioneer species of the coastline-bound areas at the coastal dune, dominantly occupied the secondary dune of the rear side and continentally-inclined Miscanthus sinensi and Oenothera biennis of naturalized plant were irregularly spread over the whole of the coastal dune, so the stabilization of micro-topography seemed to be uncertain. Particularly, Miscanthus sinensis was predicted to be changed into dominant species of the primary dune, and secondary dune and slack having a commonly high species gathering inclination with the more progress of stabilization of the coastal dune. The expansion of sand hill wetlands and roads located between the primary dune and secondary dune was judged to have an effect on the zonation structure of plant distribution.