Pine Forest Soil Characteristics and Major Soil Impact Factors for Natural Regeneration

Abstract

This study was conducted to identify characteristics of domestic pine forest soils and to elucidate major soil influencing factors for natural regeneration. We analyzed the physico-chemical characteristics of the soil samples collected from 23 pine forests and confirmed the similar results with the forest soil characteristics. Soil pH, organic matter content, total nitrogen, exchangeable Ca, silt content, and exchangeable Al were selected as the major soil factors among the exposed soils through 10 days of pine seedlings exposure and cultivation experiments and statistical analysis. Multiple regression analysis showed that soil pH had a positive effect on specific root length (SRL) of red pine seedlings and exchangeable Al was a significant factor affecting negative change in SRL. Taken together, the reduction of exchangeable Al by soil pH adjustment would be helpful for natural regeneration by restoring the forest and improving the fine root and root integrity of pine seedlings. Therefore, soil pH and exchangeable Al could be recommended as a major soil factor to be carefully considered in the monitoring and management of soil in pine forests that need to be renewed in the future.

Assessment of Fraction and Mobility of Arsenic in Soil Near the Mine Waste Dam

“…Table 1 showed the basic properties of the soil. Because of the characteristics of parent rock (granite and/or granite gneiss) and climate (rapid leaching due to heavy rainfall in the summer) [11], the soil pH appeared to be slightly acidic. Owing to the long-term oxidation of the mine waste rock by Sustainability 2020, 12, 1480 6 of 13 a process of physicochemical weathering, the pH of the soil (R) located in the mine waste dump was observed to be the lowest; this was the biggest obstacle in the restoration of the abandoned mining area [40].…”

“…In addition, there are at least 3500 dams worldwide for the treatment of tailings; these dams cover a wide area, ranging from several hectares to several thousands of hectares [8,9]. In Korea, since mountains constitute 65% of the landmass, dams are installed to prevent the loss of topsoil by landslides, as well as the storage and loss of mine tailings [10,11]. However, most of the dams in abandoned mining areas are not enclosed and are therefore directly exposed to weathering [12].…”