• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.210-218
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• 2018

Background: Soil respiration (Rs) is a major factor of the absorption and accumulation of carbon through photosynthesis in the ecosystem carbon cycle. This directly affects the amount of net ecosystem productivity, which affects the stability and sustainability of the ecosystem. Understanding the characteristics of Rs is indispensable to scientifically understand the carbon cycle of ecosystems. It is very important to study Rs characteristics through analysis of environmental factors closely related to Rs. Rs is affected by various environmental factors, such as temperature, precipitation, soil moisture, litter supply, organic matter content, dominant plant species, and soil disturbance. This study was conducted to analyze the effects of micro-topographical differences on Rs in forest vegetation by measuring the Rs on the ridge and southern slope sites of the broadly established Quercus mongolica forest in the central Korean area. Method: Rs, Ts, and soil moisture data were collected at the southern slope and ridge of the Q. mongolica forest in the Mt. Jeombong area in order to investigate the effects of topographical differences on Rs. Rs was collected by the closed chamber method, and data collection was performed from May 2011 to October 2013, except Winter seasons from November to April or May. For collecting the raw data of Rs in the field, acrylic collars were placed at the ridge and southern slope of the forest. The accumulated surface litter and the soil organic matter content (SOMC) were measured to a 5 cm depth. Based on these data, the Rs characteristics of the slope and ridge were analyzed. Results: Rs showed a distinct seasonal variation pattern in both the ridge and southern slope sites. In addition, Rs showed a distinct seasonal variation with high and low Ts changes. The average Rs measurements for the two sites, except for the Winter periods that were not measured, were $550.1\;mg\;CO_2m^{-2}h^{-1}$ at the ridge site and $289.4\;mg\;CO_2m^{-2}h^{-1}$ at the southern slope, a difference of 52.6%. There was no significant difference in the Rs difference between slopes except for the first half of 2013, and both sites showed a tendency to increase exponentially as Ts increased. In addition, although the correlation is low, the difference in Rs between sites tended to increase as Ts increased. SMC showed a large fluctuation at the southern slope site relative to the ridge site, as while it was very low in 2013, it was high in 2011 and 2012. The accumulated litter of the soil surface and the SOMC at the depth range of 0~5 cm were $874g\;m^{-2}$ and 23.3% at the ridge site, and $396g\;m^{-2}$ and 19.9% at the southern slope site. Conclusions: In this study, Rs was measured for the ridge and southern slope sites, which have two different results where the surface litter layer is disturbed by strong winds. The southern slope site shows that the litter layer formed in autumn due to strong winds almost disappeared, and while in the ridge site, it became thick due to the transfer of litter from the southern slope site. The mean Rs was about two times higher in the ridge site compared to that in the southern slope site. The Rs difference seems to be due to the difference in the amount of litter accumulated on the soil surface. As a result, the litter layer supplied to the soil surface is disturbed due to the micro-topographical difference, as the slope and the change of the community structure due to the plant season cause heterogeneity of the litter layer development, which in turn affects SMC and Rs. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce and understand these micro-topographical features and mechanisms when quantifying and analyzing the Rs of an ecosystem.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.177-201
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• 2022

Following the adoption of the global plant conservation strategies at the Conference of the Parties for Biodiversity Conservation, diligent actions to achieve each targets are actively carried out. In particular, the need for ecological conservation research to achieve targets 2 and 7 of GSPC-2020 has increased. The priority taxa to accomplish the objectives of GSPC-2020 are rare and endemic plants. In particular, endemic plants with limited distribution in specific regions are evaluated to face a high risk of extinction. To address the necessity to preserve endemic plants, we investigated the distribution of Prunus choreiana H. T. Im, a Korean endemic plant. After that, we examined the vegetational environment of the habitat of P. choreiana and evaluated its population structure. The productivity of its fruits and the effects of pollinators on fruit production were evaluated as well. The fruiting ratio was calculated based on the number of flowers produced. Lastly, we observed the annual growth characteristics of P. choreiana. The habitats of P. choreiana did not show a specific type of vegetation. All of them were located in a limestone area of Gangwon-do in the central Korean Peninsula and occupied a site where the coverage of the tree layer and the sub-tree layer was not high or did not exist. The population structure of P. choreiana contained a high proportion of mature plants capable of producing fruits and a low proportion of seedlings and Juvenile plants. We found that the production of fruits required pollinators and was affected by the performance of each plant. Although P. choreiana produces many flowers, only a maximum of 20% and only 2-6% on average bear fruits. These flowering characteristics may be due to pollinators' low abundance and activity during the flowering season (between mid-March and early April), suggesting that many flowers are needed to attract more pollinators. We rarely observed the re-establishment of seedlings in the population of P. choreiana. Despite that, we predict the population to persist owing to its long lifespan and periodic production of numerous fruits. However, if the tree layer and sub-tree layer in competing status with P. choreiana increase their crown density, they are expected to inhibit the growth of P. choreiana and affect the risk of its extinction. Therefore, the current changes in the vegetational environment of the habitats are expected to decrease the number and extent of P. choreiana in the long term. The results of this study may serve as primary and important data necessary for the achievement of GSPC-2020 objectives.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.86 no.2
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• pp.186-199
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• 1997

The soils derived from granite gneiss occupy almost one third of the land area in Korea. The soils under forest vegetation, formed on granite gneiss, in Sun chon-shi, Chollanam-do in southern part of Korea, were studied to evaluate the weathering and the transformation of primary minerals into secondary minerals, clay minerals. The studied soils contained large amounts of ferromagnesian minerals, weathered biotites and were well weathered, strongly acid and low in organic matters and in ration exchange capacity. The clay contents in the Bt horizon were almost two times higher than those in the C horizon. The O horizon had a thin layer which consisted of a little decomposed plant components with a granic fabric and high porosity, and showed the micromorphological characteristics of moder humus. The related distribution pattern of the E horizon were enaulic and large amounts of silts and small amounts of sand grains were another characteristics of the E horizon. The most striking micromorphological features were multilaminated clay coating and infillings in the voids in the Bt and C horizons, and generally limpid ferriargillans ejected from the biotites and imparted red color to the soils in the Bt horizon. High clay contents in the Bt horizon was not only due to clay translocation, but also due to intensive in situ mineral weathering in this horizon. The most significant pedogenic process, revealed by the petrographic microscope and SEM, was the formation of iron oxides from biotites, the formation of tubular halloysites and the weathering models of biotites; wedge weathering and layer weathering. The thick coating on the weathering biotites showed the characteristics of the weathering process and the synthetic hematites were revealed in clays by TEM. Total chemical analysis of clays revealed extensive loss of Ca, and Na and the concentration of Fe and Al. Mineralogical studies of clays by XRD showed that micas were almost completely weathered to kaolinite, vermiculite-kaolinite intergrade, hematite, gibbsite, while halloysites from other primary minerals. Some dioctahedral mica appeared to be resistant in the soils. Parent rock of the soils contained a considerable amounts of biotites and this forest soils showed especially a dominant characteristics of biotite weathering.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.241-252
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• 2013

This study investigated plant community structure of Dongbaekdongsan(Mt.) in Jeju-do to identify character as evergreen broad-leaved forest. 20 plots(size is $20m{\times}20m$) were set up and plant communities were divided into 5 communities of Quercus glauca-Castanopsis cuspidata var. sievoldii-Ilex integra(Camellia japonica), Quercus glauca-Castanopsis cuspidata var. sievoldii-Camellia japonica, Quercus glauca-Camellia japonica, Quercus glauca-Camellia japonica-Pinus thunbergii and Pinus thunbergii-Quercus glauca by using TWINSPAN, DCA ordination, mean importance value and environmental condition. Area of Evergreen broad-leaved forest with stonny ground is covered with Quercus glauca and Castanopsis cuspidata var. sievoldii in canopy layer and Camellia japonica in the subordinate layer. Area of remaining soil's depth is covered with Pinus thunbergii. It has been alleged that Pinus thunbergii planted by human when Dongbaekdongsan(Mt.) is not selected local monuments. All of communities is predicted success to community of Quercus glauca-Camellia japonica. Shannon's diversity ranged from 1.0268 to 1.0717 in area of Evergreen broad-leaved forest and 1.2102 in area of Pinus thunbergii. 10 species of broad-leaved tree's constancy ratio is over the 80%. In future, Castanopsis cuspidata var. sievoldii and Cinnamomum japonicum can cover canopy layer, but it has low importance value. Specially high aged Camellia japonica is appeared everywhere. It has been alleged that it was touched by divinity since past. Dongbaekdongsan(Mt.) has different plant structure with another evergreen broad-leaved forest. It is hard that knowing its successional sere because it was damaged when it isn't degignate local monument. Accordingly continuous monitoring was required, successional direction and community's character is identified after forest become steady.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.12-27
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• 2023

In this study, among the construction-type parks in Gangdong-gu, targeting parks with high environmental and ecological value located on the urban green axis, a plan was prepared for the ecological renewal of urban parks, and a design that applied to them was proposed. The renewal target site was selected by analyzing the general condition of Gangdong-gu and urban parks, the land use and green area ratio, park green area, and the green axis of Gangdong-gu. Gangdong-gu has 54 parks, including 2 neighborhood parks and 52 children's parks. In the first stage of the current status review, 17 parks were extracted through locational value analysis, such as location and adjacency to the natural axis and green axis. In the second stage, eight parks were selected among the first-stage extraction parks based on the ratio of green spaces and open spaces within each park service area. In the third stage, two of the second stage extraction parks were selected based on whether the legal standard of the park area was met, and in the fourth stage, one of the third stage extraction parks was selected through an aging survey of the park. As for the urban ecological status of the renewal target site, the status of land use in the aspect of entropy reduction, the status of soil cover in the aspect of water circulation, and the status of planting structure in the aspect of biodiversity were investigated. As for the status of the three renewal sites, the green area was insufficient at 18.3-45.3%, and the facility area was 54.7%-81.7%, which was judged to have low urban temperature reduction effects. The impervious pavement area accounted for 34.5% to 48.9% of the park area, accounting for most of the facility area, and it was judged that the water circulation function was insufficient. The planting structure consisted of a single layer and a double layer structure, and although the tree layer was good, the lower vegetation was poor, and there was no planting site of edible plants or large hardwood trees, so the biodiversity was low. After the ecological renewal design of Seonrin Children's Park, Dangmal Children's Park, and Saemmul Children's Park, which were selected as the renewal targets in this study, the ecological area ratio of each park increased by 1.4 to 3 times than before the renewal. If the urban parks located on the urban green axis are examined from the perspective of the urban ecosystem and renewed ecologically, it is judged that the expected effect will be high in reducing entropy, improving water circulation, and laying the foundation for biodiversity in terms of the urban ecosystem.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.93-106
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• 2014

In this study, Analyze environment of location, investigation into vegetation resources, survey management status and establish to classify the management area for Natural monument No.374 Pyengdae-ri Torreya nucifera forest. The results were as follows: First, Torreya nucifera forest is concerned about influence of development caused by utilization of land changes to agricultural region. Thus, establish to preservation management plan for preservation of prototypical and should be excluded development activity to cause the change of terrain that Gotjawal in the Torreya nucifera forest is factor of base for generating species diversity. Secondly, Torreya nucifera forest summarized as 402 taxa composed 91 familly 263 genus, 353 species, 41 varieties and 8 forms. The distribution of plants for the first grade & second grade appear of endangered plant to Ministry of Environment specify. But, critically endangered in forest by changes in habitat, diseases and illegal overcatching. Therefore, when establishing forest management plan should be considered for put priority on protection. Thirdly, Torreya nucifera representing the upper layer of the vegetation structure. But, old tree oriented management and conservation strategy result in poor age structure. Furthermore, desiccation of forest on artificial management and decline in Torreya nucifera habitat on ecological succession can indicate a problem in forest. Therefore, establish plan such as regulation of population density and sapling tree proliferation for sustainable characteristics of the Torreya nucifera forest. Fourth, Appear to damaged of trails caused by use. Especially, Scoria way occurs a lot of damaged and higher than the share ratio of each section. Therefore, share ratio reduction Plan should be considered through the additional development of tourism routes rather than the replacement of Scoria. Fifth, Representing high preference of the Torreya nucifera forest tourist factor confirmed the plant elements. It is sensitive to usage pressure. And requires continuous monitoring by characteristic of Non-permanent. In addition, need an additional plan such as additional development of tourism elements and active utilizing an element of high preference. Sixth, Strength of protected should be differently accordance with importance. First grade area have to maintenance of plant population and natural habitats. Set the direction of the management. Second grade areas focus on annual regeneration of the forest. Third grade area should be utilized demonstration forest or set to the area for proliferate sapling. Fourth grade areas require the introduced of partial rest system that disturbance are often found in proper vegetation. Fifth grade area appropriate to the service area for promoting tourism by utilizing natural resources in Torreya nucifera forest. Furthermore, installation of a buffer zone in relatively low ratings area and periodic monitoring to the improvement of edge effect that adjacent areas of different class.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.19-38
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• 2016

This study was carried out to investigate the flora, vegetation and soil properties of serpentine area in Andong, Korea. The vascular plants identified during the seven-round field surveys were a total of 359 taxa: 88 families, 239 genera, 311 species, 6 subspecies, 33 varieties, 6 forms and 3 hybrids. 249 taxa were newly discovered in this region. The plant composition of serpentine area is the deciduous broad-leaved and conifer-mixed forest which is the common one in the middle part of the Korean peninsula. Four taxa of Korean endemic plants such as Clematis brachyura, Populus ${\times}$ tomentiglandulosa, Paulownia coreana and Aster koraiensis were collected. The vascular plants on the red list according to IUCN evaluation basis were found to be seven taxa: Near Threatened (NT) species of Hypericum attenuatum, Polygala tenuifolia and Senecio argunensis, Least Concern (LC) species of Penthorum chinense, Potentilla discolor and Acorus calamus, and Not Evaluate (NE) species of Scorzonera austriaca ssp. glabra. The floristic regional indicator plants found in this area were 19 taxa comprising two taxa of grade IV, five taxa of grade III, four taxa of grade II, and nine taxa of grade I. The naturalized plants were identified as 34 taxa and the percentage of naturalized index (NI) was 9.5 %, and urbanization index (UI) was 10.6 %. Forest soils contained high content of nickel and cadmium. The soil layer consists of loam and silt loam from the surface to a depth of 20 cm and loam and silt clay from a depth of 20 cm to 40 cm.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.36 no.5_3
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• pp.1109-1123
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• 2020

In South Korea with forest as a major land cover class (over 60% of the country), many wildfires occur every year. Wildfires weaken the shear strength of the soil, forming a layer of soil that is vulnerable to landslides. It is important to identify the severity of a wildfire as well as the burned area to sustainably manage the forest. Although satellite remote sensing has been widely used to map wildfire severity, it is often difficult to determine the severity using only the temporal change of satellite-derived indices such as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR). In this study, we proposed an approach for determining wildfire severity based on machine learning through the synergistic use of Sentinel-1A Synthetic Aperture Radar-C data and Sentinel-2A Multi Spectral Instrument data. Three wildfire cases-Samcheok in May 2017, Gangreung·Donghae in April 2019, and Gosung·Sokcho in April 2019-were used for developing wildfire severity mapping models with three machine learning algorithms (i.e., Random Forest, Logistic Regression, and Support Vector Machine). The results showed that the random forest model yielded the best performance, resulting in an overall accuracy of 82.3%. The cross-site validation to examine the spatiotemporal transferability of the machine learning models showed that the models were highly sensitive to temporal differences between the training and validation sites, especially in the early growing season. This implies that a more robust model with high spatiotemporal transferability can be developed when more wildfire cases with different seasons and areas are added in the future.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.29-44
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• 1999

Vegetation structure and distribution of the vascular hydrophytes and hygrophytes, and the growth pattern, standing crop and amounts of nutrient uptake by Salix species were investigated in the upper stream wetlands of the Namgang-Dam, Chinju-city, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea from April to November in 1997. The flora was composed of 43 hydrophytes and 241 hygrophytes, or total 284 vascular plants. The life forms of the hydrophytes were classified as 27 kinds of emergent plants, 4 floating-leaved plants, 3 free-floating plants, and 9 submersed plants. In the herb layer, the dominant species was Persicaria hyciropiper, and the ranges of the species diversity indices (H'), equitabilities, (J') and community similarity indices (CCs) were 1.59~1.89, 0.87~0.96, and 0.35~0.83, respectively. In the shrub and subtree layers, 17 kinds of Salix species were supposed to the pioneer plants at the early stage of the succession. The number of branches per main stem of Salix species was 5.0. The DBH class-frequency histograms of Salix species were the reverse J type, and the natural regeneration of the Salix community was expected. Basal area of Salix species per square meter was $24.87cm^2$. Volume of Salix species per square meter was $12,008cm^3$ and total phytomass of the Salix species was estimated as 12,894 ton. Biomass distribution of Salix species in the stem, the branch and twig, and the leaf was 64.1%, 28.1%, and 7.8%, respectively. The amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus absorbed by Salix species were 68,022 and 19,823 kg. It was recommended that application and conservation of the wetland and other counterplans are indispensable to reduce the adverse effects of water pollution and to preserve the wetland ecosystem.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.110 no.2
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• pp.165-178
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• 2021

Owing to the lack of consistent research on endangered plant species in Korea, there are insufficient data to preservespecies and expand habitats. This study analyzed the preferred habitat and threats to the survival of Aconitum austrokoreense, found on Baekwun Mountain in Gurye-gun, Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do Province, and classified as a level two endangered wild plant by the Ministry of Environment, by investigating major environmental factors such as climate, location, soil, and stand structure. By examining five selected sites inhabited by Aconitum austrokoreense on BaekwunMountain, this study found that the habitat had an altitude of 420 to 675 m above sea level and showed a northeast tendency, spreading over a range of inclination angles between 15° and 37°. The average number of plants across the five sites was 156. Site 4 (550 m) had the highest density of 372 plants, with an average height of 0.6 m. The average soil moisture and relative light intensity were 20.48% and 7.34%, respectively. Layer soil was presumed to be sandy loam, characterized by high sand content and good drainage. The habitat had average soil pH of 5.2, average organic matter of 16.46%, average nitrogen of 0.86%, average available phosphate of 11.86 mg/kg, average electrical conductivity of 0.44 dS/m, and average cation exchange capacity of 37.04 cmolc/kg. The total carbon in soil averaged 10.68%. From the analysis of the vegetation structure of sites inhabited by Aconitum austrokoreense, the dominant populations were Pinus koraiensis and Lindera erythrocarpa in Site 1, Magnolia obovata and Carpinus laxiflora in Site 2, Zelkova serrate and Quercus variabilis in Site 3, Staphylea bumalda and Lindera erythrocarpa in Site 4, and Morus bombycis,Styrax japonicus, and Carpinus laxiflora in Site 5. With most habitats located near trails and sap collection sites of Acer pictum, the species were exposed to artificial damage and interference threats.