• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.25-30
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• 1987

There are differences in opinion as to whether nitrogen fertilizer should be used when establishing alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Various reports show that under a hot environment, rhizobia (Rhizobium meliloti) are not as effective in fixing atmospheric nitrogen as they are under moderate temperatures. It is also believed that the addition of nitrogen fertilizer inhibits nodulation of alfalfa seedlings. A replicated experiment was conducted under controlled environmental conditions at the University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, Nevada, USA, to determine the effects of nitrogen application on seedling growth and nodulation of alfalfa grown in a hot environment. Sterile sand was used as the growing media to which a complete nutrient solution minus nitrogen was applied volumetrically to each pot daily. In addition, half of the pots received NH4-$NO_3$, at the rate of 11.2 kg per ha at seeding and at two and four weeks after planting giving a total nitrogen application rate of 33.6 kg per ha during the seven-week experimental period. Rhizobia inoculant (R-12) consisted of a mixture of strains 171-15a, 1682c and 80 PI 265 of (Rhizobium meliloti). Inoculant was applied to the seeds prior to planting and to the sand media at two and four weeks after seeding. Twenty seeds were planted in pots 14.0 cm in diameter and 11.5 cm deep. Plants were thinned to ten plants per pot after emergence and were grown in a controlled environment chamber with a 16-hour light period. Soil temperature at 6 cm depth ranged from 17.4^{\circ}C.$ to 31.1^{\circ}C.$ and had a daily mean of 26.5^{\circ}C.$. Plants were harvested at weekly intervals for seven weeks. Root, shoot and total length, dry weight, volume and number of nodules per plant were determined. Root, shoot, and total length were greater in seedlings grown in soil where nigrogen was applied than that grown in soil to which no nitrogen was applied. The average size of the seedlings as determined by volume and weight was more than two times greater where plants were fertilized with nitrogen. Nodule number per seedling was also greater when nitrogen was applied compared to those which received no nitrogen. The differences were greater as the plants became older. The rhizobia did not fix enough nitrogen for adequate growth of seedlings. This is probably due to high temperature growing conditions that caused the rhizobia to become relatively ineffective as compared to cooler growing conditions. Data suggests it would be desirable to apply nitrogen at seeding when alfalfa is established under hot conditions that occur in mid- or late summer.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.151-156
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• 1986

There are differences in recommendations in the USA as to whether nitrogen fertilizer should be applied when establishing alfalfa (Medicago sativa L). The reason for not applying nitrogen is because some researchers found the addition of nitrogen reduced nodulation of alfalfa plants. A replicated experiment was conducted under controlled environmental conditions at the University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, Nevada, USA, to determine the effects of nitrogen application on seedling growth and nodulation of alfalfa when grown in a cool environment. A sterile sand was used in the growing media to which a complete nutrient solution minus nitrogen was applied volumetrically to each pot daily. Half of the pots received $NH_4NO_3$, at the rate of 11.2 kg/ha, at seeding and two and four weeks after planting, giving a total nitrogen application rate of 33.6 kg/ha. Rhizobia inoculant (R-12) consisted of a mixture of strains 171-15a. 1682c and 80 PI 265 of Rhizobium meliloti. Inoculant was applied to the seeds prior to planting and to the sand media at two and four weeks after seeding. Twenty seeds were planted in pots 14.0 cm in diameter and 11.5 cm deep. Seedlings were thinned after emergence to ten plants per pot. They were grown in a controlled environment chamber with a 16-hour light period. Soil temperatures at 6 cm depth ranged from $5.7^{\circ}C\;to\;21.5^{\circ}C$ and had a daily mean of $16.2^{\circ}C$ Plants were harvested at weekly intervals for seven weeks at which time root, shoot and total length, dry weight, volume and number of nodules per plant were determined. Root, shoot and total length were not affected by nitrogen fertilizer. However, application of nitrogen increased the size of the seedlings as determined by dry weight and volume when compared to plants which were not fertilized. This indicates that rhizobia did not fix enough atmospheric nitrogen to promote good growth. Nitrogen application resulted in significantly more nodules per plant. The effect of nitrogen fertilizer became more apparent as the plant became older. Results of this experiment show there are benefits from applying nitrogen at a low rate when establishing alfalfa under a cool environment.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.8 no.6
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• pp.69-79
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• 2005

This study was carried out to select proper species for early stage replantation in highway cut-slope area. In highway cut-slope area, sample plots of 106 were selected, and their vegetations and environmental factors were investigated. 1. We found total 172 species in the 106 cutting area of highway. The species of high frequency of highway cut-slope were found in the order of Lespedeza bicolor, Artemisia princeps var. orientalis, Festuca arundinacea, Erigeron annuus, Lespedeza cuneata, Lactuca indica var. laciniata, Eragrostis curvula, Dactylis glomerata, Oenothera lamarckiana, Wistaria floribunda, Humulus japonica, Commelina communis, Miscanthus sinensis, Pueraria thunbergiana, Pinus densiflora, etc. 2. The average vegetation coverage was over 90% in the study sites and the average coverage was 91.4% in the total cut-slope area. The species of high coverage of highway cut-slope area were found in the order of Festuca arundinacea, Eragrostis curvula, Lespedeza bicolor, Wistaria floribunda, Lespedeza cuneata, Dactylis glomerata, Artemisia princeps var. orientalis, Humulus japonica, Pueraria thunbergiana, Robinia pseudoacacia, Poa pratensis, Medicago sativa, Festuca ovina, Pinus densiflora, Parthenocissua tricuspidata, etc. 3. The total coverage in the foreign plants of Festuca arundinacea, Eragrostis curvula, Dactylis glomerata, Poa pratensis, Medicago sativa, Coreopsis drummondii and native plants of Lespedeza bicolor, Wistaria floribunda, Lespedeza cuneata, Amorpha fruticosa, Indigofera pseudotinctoria, Lespedeza cyrtobotrya were 57.52%. That is, the ecological succession of native herbs and parachute shrubs have delayed because the afforested plants occupy 57.52%. In future, the coverage of foreign herbs have to reduce, and the coverage of the native herbs and parachute shrubs must be increased. 4. The native seed of Artemisia sp., Miscanthus sinensis, Smilax china, Pueraria thunbergiana, Rubus crataegifolius, Rubus parvifolius, Pinus densiflora, Rhus chinensis, Albizzia julibrissin, Rhododendron mucronulatum, Clematis apiifolia, Zanthoxylum schinifolium, Prunus sargentii could be added in the seedling of the temperate south zone highway with the used seeds. The native seed of Artemisia sp., Miscanthus sinensis, Rubus crataegifolius, Rhododendron mucronulatum, Weigela subsessilis, Stephanandra incisa, Rhus chinensis, Pinus densiflora, Salix koreensis, Cocculus trilobus, Populus alba, Spiraea prunifolia for. simpliciflora, Clematis apiifolia, Lindera obtusiloba, Quercus serrata, etc., could be added in the seedling of the temperate middle zone highway with the used seeds. 5. We have some recommendation. The native plants have to growth in the highway cut-slope area instead of foreign plants to have good environmental ecology. The role of the foreign plants should be the plant for the initial several years in the highway cut-slope area. And, the native plants should growth in the next season. 6. We should protect shrubs and trees in the highway slope area because shrubs and trees can be more helpful in stabilizing of the slope area than herbs.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.198-206
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• 1981

A field research was conducted to evaluate the effects of inoculation of Rhizobium meliloti and lime application on the early growth of alfalfa, var. Luna, in an acid soil. Alfalfa seeds were inoculated by lime-peat pelleting method with $A_3$ strain isolated from alfalfa roots. Both inoculated and noninoculated seeds were sown in acid soil (pH 5.5) with three levels of lime application (1, 3, 6 ton/ha) on mid-April. Inoculated seeds produced many effective nodules in early stage and increased nitrogen and chlorophyll contents of leaf, consequently stimulating alfalfa growth. Pseudo nodules were found in noninoculated, while they were seldom formed in inoculated. Lime application increased soil pH, plant height, root length, and shoot and root weight. Liming effect on nodulation was significant at first cut, but no longer after then. Both inoculation and liming increased the forage yield of alfalfa. Inoculation and liming of 6 ton/ha together produced the highest yield. As compared to control plot of nitrogen application, the effect of seed inoculation only could be equal to about 120 kg/ha nitrogen application. The total nitrogen contents of forage were little affected by number or weight of nodules and amounts of lime application.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.38-48
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• 1980

To evaluate Rhizobium meliloti BALSAC, a strain selected from Canada as an acid tolerant one, and ordinary lucerne inoculant in acid condition, lucerne (Medicago sativa L. cv. Wairau) was inoculated and/or pelleted in the laboratory, and grown for two months in an acid soil (Lismore silt loam, pH 5.4) with three levels of lime in the, glasshouse. The results of controlled (noninoculated), nitrogen fertilized, laboratorial and commercial inoculated seeds were compared to give the following conclusions: 1. There was no significant difference in the top and root dry matter yields between two Rhizobium strains. However, Balsac inoculant showed higher single nodule dry matter weight and relatively higher number of larger nodules than the ordinary inoculant. 2. Lime application increased dry matter yields of plants and nodules, and the number of nodules per pot and the increase of nodules on the lateral roots in both inoculants. Lime application also caused an evenly distribution of nodules on the root by showing an increase of nodules mainly on the lateral roots. 3. Fertilizer nitrogen without inoculant slightly increased the nodulation percentage, the nodule dry matter weight per nodule and the relative proportion of larger nodules. 4. Commercially inoculated and pelleted seed showed less consistent results. 5. Relatively larger variations in measuring nodule characteristics was discussed and concluded that extreme cares should be given to reduce the variation.

• Korean Journal of Weed Science
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.121-130
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• 1995

Greenhouse and laboratory studies were conducted to investigate allelopathic potential of some weed species on alfalfa(Medicago sativa L.) germination and seedling growth. In the comparison between top(leaves+stems) and root extracts, top extract exhibited greater allelopathic effects on alfalfa germination than that of root. The various weed species extract differently responded to alfalfa test species, WL-320, in terms of allelopathic effect. Top and root aqueous extracts of lambsquarter(Chenopodium album L.), giant foxtail(Setaria faberii Herrm.), redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.), velvetleaf(Abutilon theophrasti Medic.), crabgrass(Digitaria sanguinalis L.), canada thistle(Cirsium arvense L.) and prostrate knotweed(Polygonium aviculare L.) significantly inhibited germination, seedling length, weight, vigor, and rate of germination of alfalfa. The regression slopes of various top extracts showed that velvetleaf(b=3.69) extracts were the most inhibitory, while large crabgrass(b=2.39) extracts had the least allelopathic effect on alfalfa germination. Germination, seedling length and weight of alfalfa were inversely proportional to the concentration of dried velvetleaf extracts. Also, more of the toxic effects were observed from the dried extracts compared to the fresh extracts. Residue of velvetleaf inhibited significantly alfalfa emergence and survival percentage compared to the control. The emergence and survival percentage of alfalfa were 44%, 57% at 1.0% residue treatment, respectively. When weed residues were mixed with silica sand with incubation time, velvetleaf residue most inhibited alfalfa growth. The degree of inhibition increased as incubation time increased. An incubation for 72h caused the greatest inhibition of alfalfa growth. These results demonstrate the different allelopathic activity of weed species extracts on alfalfa and suggest that weed may affect alfalfa growth and development through the inhibitory effects of allelochemicals present in weed tissue.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.145-153
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• 1995

Effects of lime application levels(0, 10, 50, 100, and 300kg/10a) on three alfalfa cultivars(Dekalb brand 120, Pike, Pioneer brand 5929) were analyaed with respect to the growth, dry matter yield, and inorganic composition of the plants at three cutting periods. Major chemical properties of the soils were also analyzed. Response of the plant height to the lime application level was variable among the cultivars, showing the order of 50>100>300>10>0kg/10a in Dekalb brand 120, 50>100>10>300>0kg/10a in Pike, and 10>50>300>0>100kg/10a in Pioneer brand 5929. The order of dry matter yield response to the lime application level was 50>300>100>10>0kg/10a in Dekalb brand 120, 50>10>300>100>0kg/10a in Pike, and 50>100>10>0>300kg/10a in Pioneer brand 5929. Total dry matter yields at 50kg/10a lime application level were higher than those at any other levels in all the cultivars. Neither a specific pattern nor a significant change in inorganic composition of the plant was found for the lime application levels and cutting times, Soil chemical properties and composition remained with little change after the experiment except the soil pH, which was increased with the lime application level.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.228-235
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• 1997

This experiments were conducted to determine the effect of allelopathy and autotoxicity in alfalfa. Among several alfalfa cultivars, the substances exudated from seven cultivars including Medicago sativa, c.v. Luna, Sparta, Magnum, Husky, Milkmaker, Challenger and Anchor inhibited the germination and seedling growth of radish, ranging from 60 to 80％. When allelopathic substances were exudated from the soil of the alfalfa-cultivated field, the increased levels of substance retarded the germination rate and seedling growth of radish and alfalfa. The inhibition rate was about 80％, compared with that of control. Thus, this study indicates that the allelopathy and autotoxicity substances of alfalfa influenced the germination and seedling growth in alfalfa itself and radish. When allelopathic substances were analysed by using gas chromatograph, several kinds of phenol compounds were detected as follows; Salicylic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid, coumaric acid, and ferulic acid.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.299-306
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• 2023

In this study, the O/W emulsification processes with the natural surfactants that were extracted from Medicago sativa L. and Sapindus saponaria L. as emulsifiers were optimized using the central composite design-response surface methodology (CCD-RSM). Herein, independent parameters were the amounts of mixed emulsifiers, the mixing ratio of natural emulsifiers (soapberry saponin/alfalfa saponin), and the emulsification time, whereas the reaction parameters were the emulsion stability index (ESI), mean droplet size (MDS), and antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scanvenging activity). Through basic experiments, the ranges of operation variables for the amount of mixed emulsifiers, the mixing ratio of natural emulsifiers, and the emulsification time were 12~14 wt%, 30~70%, and 20~30 min, respectively. The optimum operation variables deduced from CCD-RSM for the amount of mixed emulsifiers, the mixing ratio of natural emulsifiers, and the emulsification time were 13.2 wt%, 44.2%, and 25.8 min, respectively. Under these optimal conditions, the expected values of the ESI, MDS, and antioxidant activity were 88.7%, 815.5 nm, and 38.7%, respectively. And, the measured values of the ESI, MDS, and antioxidant activity were 90.6%, 830.2 nm, and 39.6%, respectively, and the average experimental error for validating the accuracy was about 2.1%. Therefore, it was possible to design an optimization process for evaluating the O/W emulsion process using CCD-RSM.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.243-247
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• 2016

Arsenic (As) is a toxic element that easily taken up by plants root. Several toxic forms of As disrupt plant metabolism by a series of cellular alterations. In this study, we applied annealing control primer (ACP)-based reverse transcriptase PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technique to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in alfalfa roots in response to As stress. Two-week-old alfalfa seedlings were exposed to As treatment for 6 hours. DEGs were screened from As treated samples using the ACP-based technique. A total of six DEGs including heat shock protein, HSP 23, plastocyanin-like domain protein162, thioredoxin H-type 1 protein, protein MKS1, and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase B2 were identified in alfalfa roots under As stress. These genes have putative functions in abiotic stress homeostasis, antioxidant activity, and plant defense. These identified genes would be useful to increase As tolerance in alfalfa plants.