Ji Hwi Jang

Evaluation of Bioenergy Potential and Relative Impact of Microclimate Conditions on Fuel Pellets Production and Carbon Storage of Short-Rotation Coppices (Populus uramericana) in Reclaimed Land, South Korea: Three-Year Monitoring

It is required to manage sustainable Short-Rotation Coppices (SRCs) as an important role 17 on carbon sink and bioenergy output, because most of SRCs were established in reclaimed land in 18 South Korea. However, during the last three years, growth pattern of the SRCs was remarkably 19 changed with soil condition. This study aimed to identify the sustainability of SRCs on carbon 20 storage, biomass and fuel pellet production, monitoring the neighboring vegetation of SRCs by 21 land-use exchange, physiological change of poplar on seasonal trend, and to evaluate whether 22 poplar is suitable for making wood pellets. The calculated biomass yield per area of poplar grown 23 was 103.07 Mg per total area (55.6 ha), and volumes of carbon dioxide absorption was estimated to 24 be 330 Mg CO2. Wood pellet quality based on the criteria scored third grade, indicating that poplar 25 is suitable for manufacturing fuel pellets. Moreover, monitoring of the flora distribution in SRCs 26 revealed changes in species composition. As halophyte was increased during drought, soil organic 27 matter, net growth and total chlorophyll of poplar were significantly decreased. These findings 28 indicated that photosynthesis and growth pattern of SRCs may be negatively affected by 29 microclimate and will provide valuable information for effective management of SRCs. 30

The relationship between SO2 exposure and plant physiology: A mini review

Air pollutants are emitted from various sources into the atmosphere. During winter, greenhouses are heated by the burning of fuel in heating systems, which creates sulfur dioxide (SO2) that can be detrimental to plant growth and human health. However, there is a poor understanding of the comprehensive effects of SO2 on crops in a greenhouse environment. Therefore, this review aimed to summarize the impacts of greenhouse heating system-derived SO2 on the physiological, morphological, and biochemical responses of plants. In general, plant SO2 exposure has a negative effect on these processes. An initial decline in physiological activities appears several days following SO2 exposure. Morphological and biochemical activities are also negatively affected by extensive SO2 exposure. However, since sulfur is an essential nutrient for plant growth, low-level SO2 exposure has a positive impact on plants. Atmospheric SO2 is taken up by the plant via the stomata, after which it is assimilated and used to synthesize sulfur-containing amino acids, such as methionine and cysteine. Sulfur-containing compounds are crucial for plant growth, and various physiological and biochemical processes. It was concluded that SO2 is a significant greenhouse pollutant, especially for crops.