• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.108 no.4
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• pp.600-609
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• 2019

This study was conducted to highlight the necessity for a stand density control management plan in consideration of the shape ratio of Pinus densiflora and Larix kaempferi in Korea. A total of 2,112 Pinus densiflora samples and 2,030 Larix kaempferi samples were cut, and their diameter at breast height (DBH), height, and clear length were measured for regional shape ratio (height/DBH) comparison and analysis.The shape ratio of Pinus densiflora was 72.3% in the Gangwon district, 64.0% in the central district, and 70.8% on average, indicating a higher percentage of Pinus densiflora in Gangwon than in the central area. Regionally, Yeongju had the highest percentage at 78.4%, with Yeongwol indicating 77.5%. Measured by diameter, results showed a presence of 90.4% for small diameter trees (6-16 cm), 71.7% for medium diameter trees (18-28 cm), and 56.1% for large diameter trees (30 cm). As density increased, the shape ratio of height to tree trunk diameter also increased; below 70% indicated a more stable trunk, while a result above 80% indicated trunks prone to wind hazards and snowstorms, and, therefore, the need for density control in partial areas. The overall shape ratio of Larix kaempferi was 90.6%. Pyeongchang indicated a 108.5% ratio, Yeongju 105.4%, and Danyang 100.5%, respectively.According to diameter class, small diameter trees showed 104.9% occurrence, medium diameter trees 92.7%, and large diameter trees 73.4%. The shape ratio of Larix kaempferi was higher than 80% overall, indicating vulnerability to wind hazards and snowstorms. Therefore, appropriate stand density management is required.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.104 no.3
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• pp.411-420
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• 2015

This study examined methods for stand density control by using shape ratio (tree height/DBH) and its application for effective management of Pinus thunbergii coastal disaster prevention forests. We analyzed the present conditions (height, DBH, and density) of P. thunbergii coastal disaster prevention forests at 123 study sites on Jeju Island and west, south, and east coasts of South Korea and compared them with results from previous studies. The average shape ratio for P. thunbergii showed positive correlations with stand density and was significantly higher on the west coast (66.32) than on the south (49.57) and east (48.19) coasts and Jeju Island (48.29). Stands with shape ratio higher than 70 accounted for 50% of the total study sites on the west coast, indicating a decrease in their disaster prevention function compared to that of other previous studies. The stand density in most coastal areas, except the east coast, was significantly higher than the standards recommended by the Korea Forest Service and the Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute of Japan, indicating the need for stand density control. According to the growth estimation equation for P. thunbergii in the coastal area of South Korea, density control is required for young stands less than 14 years old, which show drastic increase in the shape ratio, to conserve their disaster prevention function. Particularly, the first thinning of P. thunbergii forests should be implemented before the stand age of 8 years that a shape ratio exceeds 70. For disaster-prone young stands (${\leq}20cm$ DBH) of P. thunbergii, the stand density was higher in the standard of Japan considering shape ratio than in that of Korea aiming timber production. Hence, the standard guidelines employed in Japan, which assign higher importance to disaster prevention function based on field surveys, can be applied effectively for controlling the stand density of P. thunbergii coastal forests in South Korea, to improve their disaster prevention function.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.365-375
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• 2009

The growth characteristics of Pinus thunbergii windbreak forest around Goosipo Beach, Sangha-Myon, Gochang-Gun, Jeollabuk-Do have been investigated, and the results are summarized as follows. The soil in the site was light acid sand with pH 5.7, and the mean sodium concentration of soils was 1.42dS/m. The tree diameter, height, crown width, and shape ratio(Height/DBH) were better with tree density was coming lower. Especially, the rate of shape ratio under 60 was more in sites with low tree density. This demonstrated that the trees have grown more soundly when the tree density was lower. The direction of main winds and distribution ratio of tree inclination had a correlation. The inclined trees are seemed to be influenced by main winds when they were younger and by Typhoon partly. Eighty one vascular plant species were found in the sites, and more number of herbaceous plants (57 taxa) lived there than woody plants (24 taxa). And more plant species of dune were found at the site where dune have developed well. Some thinning works need at high tree density areas in order to ensure effects of coastal windbreak.