Ara Seol

The effects of site factors on herb species diversity in Kwangneung forest stands

The objective of this study was to investigate the herb species diversity associated with biotic and abiotic forest site factors in the Kwangneung Experimental Forest in South Korea. Vegetation data were collected from 109 sample plots in the study area and species diversity was measured in terms of species richness and Shannons diversity index. Topographic site characteristics, soil depth, stand density and volume were also measured in the sample plots as site factors. A multiple regression model was developed to identify significant site factors influencing the herb species diversity in the study area. The results show that stand density, landform classes and the interaction between water availability and aspect are significant factors influencing herb species diversity (P < 0.05). This result suggests that light and water availability are important factors for the herb species diversity of forest stands.

A terrain-based method for selecting potential mountain ridge protection areas in South Korea

Abstract Mountain ridges are valued by the Korean people as major and critical sources of natural resources and environment. Despite their recognised values, continuous exploitation and infrastructure development in forestlands have been causing large-scale degradation in mountains throughout the country. In response to this problem, our study supports recent efforts by the government to designate protection areas across the country. We build on the traditional classification of mountain ridges and apply a terrain-based spatial model to derive mountain ridge area boundaries. Based on the well-known mountain ridge system of the Korean peninsula, established in 1769, our approach was to select mountain ridgelines and boundaries using a terrain-based spatial model. The selected areas are generally located at high elevations with undulating terrain. They include a relatively large portion of ecologically important areas. A large portion of non-nationally owned forest is also found in the selected areas. Ecological importance and property rights would likely cause significant debate and conflicts among different social groups regarding designation of legally binding protection areas. Our model provides an explicit, scientific basis for the rigorous evaluation and area prioritisation as part of the protection area designation process. Application of our model can facilitate conversation on the country’s mountain ridge asset and public participation in the decision-making process.

Assessing the potential suitability of forest stands as Kirengeshoma koreana habitat using MaxEnt

The objective of this study was to assess the potential suitability of forest stands of the Mt. Baek-un region in South Korea as habitats for Kirengeshoma koreana by determining essential biotic and abiotic environmental factors using MaxEnt. Presence data were collected from 16 plots in the study area, and a forest stand map was used to assess the potential suitability of the plot as habitat for the species. The topographic site characteristics were analyzed using GIS, and the terrain relief conditions were measured using the topographic position index. The site environmental factors that significantly influenced the potential suitability of the forest stands as habitats for K. koreana were chosen using MaxEnt. The results indicated that landform types, soil depth, and water and light availability at the forest floor were the factors that most strongly influenced K. koreana habitat suitability. These significant environmental factors were assessed to determine the forest stand sites that were most suitable as potential habitats for the species in the study area.

Maintaining Long-Rotation Forestry: A New Challenge for Sustained Yield of Timber Resources in South Korea

SUMMARY This study aims to analyse the current perceptions of forest owners regarding long-rotation forestry in South Korea, and to explore reforestation policies, in order to identify ways in which they may improve their applicability to successful management of timber resources. The majority of forest owners had a negative perception of long-rotation forestry, and preferred to select tree species that produce short-term profits. Government subsidies to reduce the costs of timber production, tax benefits, and technical supports are required in order to encourage forest owners to pursue long-rotation forestry. Such efforts need to be enacted in conjunction with policies that improve the profitability of forest ownership in the domestic timber market, such as a new log scaling system that places higher value on locally produced timbers, as well as policies that facilitate active use of government support systems.

Analyzing the Management Characteristics of Beekeeping Households According to Their Beekeeping Types

In this study, the types of domestic beekeeping households were classified into a migratory, nonmigratory, and mixed beekeeping, and the management characteristics of each type were compared in terms of management scale, honey extraction, productivity, and profitability. In order to investigate thes...