A Study of the Initial Mulching Effect in a Sapling Planting Area: Focusing on Sapling Growth Rate and Weed Occurrence Characteristics

• 발행기관: 인간식물환경학회
• 저자명: Deok-Ryong Kim Ji-Hyeon Sung Eun-Ji Cho Dong-Gil Cho
• 간행물 정보: 『인간식물환경학회지(JPPE)』제28권 제5호, 703~717쪽, 전체 15쪽
• 주제분류: 자연과학 > 자연과학일반
• 파일형태: PDF
• 발행일자: 2025.10.30

국문 초록

Background and objective: In ecological restoration sites, the use of saplings is essential for ensuring rapid adaptation andgrowth in the target environments. However, planting efforts have often focused on medium- to large-diameter trees dueto challenges such as weed competition and management issues. To address these problems, this study aimed to investigatethe effects of varying mulching thickness on weed emergence and cover, as well as survival and growth rates of plantedtrees in the experimental plots where saplings were planted. The findings are expected to serve as foundational data forproposing proper planting and management strategies utilizing saplings. Methods: To examine the dynamics of tree growth and weed emergence, Quercus acutissima saplings with a root collardiameter (RCD) categorized as R2 were planted at a high density of two saplings per square meter and managed withconventional weeding twice a year. Woodchip mulch was applied at three different thicknesses: 0 cm, 5 cm, and 10 cm. Changes in tree growth and weed emergence were monitored over a 30-month period. The study was divided into two keyaspects: tree growth assessment and weed vegetation analysis. Tree growth was evaluated based on survival rate, growthrate, and canopy projection. Weed vegetation analysis included the number of emergent herbaceous species, presenceand proportion of naturalized plants, and vegetation cover. Results: The survival rate in the mulched plots was 1.75 times higher than in the control plot with 0 cm mulch. As mulchthickness increased and the canopy projection expanded, the number of weed species decreased, effectively controllingthe invasion of tall herbaceous plants competing with planted trees, as well as limiting the establishment of naturalizedspecies. Once the canopy layer was established, all mulched plots exhibited significantly lower weed cover after weedingcompared to the 0 cm mulch control. As canopy vegetation cover increased, the composition of weed species changedbefore and after canopy closure. In the early stages of the experiment, prior to canopy formation, high canopy opennesscreated a light environment similar to that of agricultural fields. This condition favored the dominances of crop-associatedweeds, tall herbaceous plants, and naturalized species. However, following canopy establishment, the number of emergentweed species decreased, with herbaceous vine species becoming dominant. Conclusion: Applying mulch at a thickness of 5-10 cm combined with biannual weeding can support the growth anddevelopment of saplings compared to untreated conditions. Additionally, for successful vegetation restoration using saplings,intensive management of tall herbaceous plants that suppress sapling growth is necessary before canopy formation. Aftercanopy closure, management strategies are required to address the emerging dominance of herbaceous vine species.

목차

Introduction

Research Methods

Results and Discussion

Conclusion

References

키워드

middle-aged adults older adults spatial legibility vegetation management young adults