• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.709-716
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• 2011

In order to collect basic data of soil environment in the Vicinity of King Sejong Station, King George Island, Antarctica, the physico-chemical characteristics of soils were investigated. Soil samples were collected in Barton Peninsula from 13 sites according to direction from the Sejong Cape. Soils from 13 sites were divided into three groups. The sand percentage of soils were much higher as above 90% than silt and clay percentages of soils at the all sites. Soil texture was classified sandy (10 sites) and loamy sand (3 sites). In distribution characteristics at different soil particles according to direction, large particles ($>500{\mu}m$) were higher in the order of Group 1 (Marian cove coast regions) > Group 2 (Inland regions) > Group 3 (Maxwell bay coast regions). On the other hand, small particles ($<355{\mu}m$) were higher in the order of Group 3 > Group 2 > Group 1. Chemical characteristic of soils showed significant differences at different areas. pH ranged 4.5-6.7, showing it was slightly acid and EC ranged $0.06-0.16dS\;m^{-1}$. T-N, OM and T-C contents were high at #6, #8, #12 and #13 sites. T-P and P2O5 contents were high at #9 and #12 sites. The results of this study will be helpful to understand soil environment in the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands.