The soil microbial communities and growth of sweet potato are often affected by soil type. This study evaluated the variations in microbial communities of paddy and upland soils used for two sweet potato cultivars (Jinhongmi and Sinjami) cultivation by their fatty acid methyl ester (FAME). The pH, available P 2 O 5 , exchangeable K, Ca, and Mg of upland soil at the harvesting stage were significantly higher than those of paddy soil. The moisture content of paddy soil (28.5%) has increased by 6.7% as compared to upland soil (p < 0.001). The average microbial biomasses in paddy soil were approximately 2.8 times larger for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and 1.4 -1.6 times larger for fungi, total bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, total FAMEs, Gram-negative bacteria, and actinomycetes. In addition, The total FAMEs, Gram-positive bacteria, fungi, total bacteria, and AMF in Jinhongmi cultivated soils were significantly larger than those in Sinjami cultivated soils. AMF communities in paddy soil showed significantly larger than that in upland soil (p < 0.001) indicating AMF are potentially responsible for the microbial community differentiation between paddy and upland field. The tuber yield of sweet potato was 28% higher, respectively, in the paddy soil and Sinjami treatment than in the upland soil and Jinhongmi treatment. It was confirmed that the paddy field was more effective on the productivity of sweet potato and soil microbial biomass.

Agricultural land application of Protaetia brevitarsis larvae manure (PM) is a common process that improves soil fertility and increases crop production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of PM on the growth of lettuce and soil chemical properties. Lettuce was planted in silt loam soil amended with three rates of PM 0 (CF), 540 (CFP1), and 1,080 (CFP2) kg 10a -1 with chemical fertilizer (20.0 kg 10a -1 N, 5.9 kg 10a -1 P 2 O 5 , and 12.8 kg 10a -1 K 2 O) and animal mixed compost 540 kg 10a -1 with chemical fertilizer (CFC). Increasing rates of PM caused a significant increase in soil organic matter content and yield of lettuce compared to CF (P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that Protaetia brevitarsis larvae manure can be used as an organic fertilizer to raise crops.

Physicochemical properties of flowering cherry (Prunus yedoensis, Prunus sargentii, Prunus lannesiana, Prunus cerasus) fruits were evaluated. The moisture contents were the highest in fruits of Prunus cerasus; crude protein ranged from 0.19～1.49% and crude fat ranged from 1.00～2.66%. The fruits of Prunus lannesiana included higher contents of crude ash compared with those of other cultivars. The mineral contents of Prunus lannesiana fruits were the highest in Ca, K, Mg, Fe, and Mn. The amino acid contents of only methionine was the highest in fruits of Prunus sargentii (1.64 mg/L). Other amino acids were the highest in fruits of Prunus cerasus. The Brix value was the highest in fruits of Prunus yedoensis, followed by fruits of Prunus sargentii, Prunus lannesiana, and Prunus cerasus. Organic acid contents ranged from 3.42～4.18%. Anthocyanin contents were the highest in fruits of Prunus sargentii in methanol extract. Therefore oriental cherry commensurates with development of nature pigment and functional foods. Especially, Prunus cerasus was greater than other cultivars.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of the application of Protaetia brevitarsis larvae manure (PM) on the growth lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and red pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). Crops were planted in pots containing silt loam soils and cultivated with the basal application of chemical fertilizer at a standard rate (10.0 kg N 10a -1 , 5.9 kg P 2 O 5 10a -1 , 6.5 kg K 2 O 10a -1 , and calcium carbonate 170 for lettuce and 10.3 kg N 10a -1 , 11.2 kg P 2 O 5 10a -1 , 9.1 kg K 2 O 10a -1 , calcium carbonate 170 for red pepper) and PM at three rates (0, 540, and 1,080 kg) in pots (1/5000a). The growth of lettuce and red pepper increased with increased application of PM. Our results suggest that PM can be used as organic amendment for crop cultivation.