Effect of Nitrogen Application Rate on Growth and Yields of Aster scaber Thunb. and Ligularia fischeri Turcz. in the First Year after Transplanting

Abstract

Chinese cabbage cultivation has been typically practiced in alpine sloped farmland in Gangwon province, and caused severe soil erosion by soil disturbance like tillage. Cultivation of wild edible greens such as Aster scaber Thunb. and Ligularia fischeri Turcz. could be one of alternative ways to reduce soil erosion, because their residues become stubble mulch after harvest, and there is no need for tillage every year. Therefore, the objective of this research was to estimate the effect of nitrogen application rates for the maximum production of Aster scaber Thunb. and Ligularia fischeri Turcz. in the early cultivation stages . Total N contents of Aster scaber Thunb. and Ligularia fischeri Turcz. increased with the increment of fertilizer application rates. Maximum growth of Aster scaber Thunb. and Ligularia fischeri Turcz. was observed with the highest rates of fertilizer. We obtained the relationship between Aster scaber Thunb. and N application rate, as y = -0.296x 2 + 73.82x + 5246 (R = 0.998). There was no significant difference for Aster scaber Thunb production between N application rates for 120 and 160 kg/ha. Also, the relationship between Ligularia fischeri Turcz. and N application rate was y = -0.135x 2 + 32.86x + 1529 (R 2 = 0.965) in the first year trial after transplanting.

Growth Characteristics of <italic>Allium microdictyon</italic> in Forest Cultivation

“…Soils by test site showed weak acidity (pH 5.59-6.52) regardless of region (Table 3). The acidity was higher than that of general forest soil, which was higher than the pH of the soil where Aster scaber Thunb and Ligularia fischeri are cultivated (pH 5.2) (Choi et al, 2009). The major components shown in the study results of upland soil of cultivation sites for Aster scaber Thunb and Ligularia fischeri are as follows (Choi et al 2009).…”

“…The acidity was higher than that of general forest soil, which was higher than the pH of the soil where Aster scaber Thunb and Ligularia fischeri are cultivated (pH 5.2) (Choi et al, 2009). The major components shown in the study results of upland soil of cultivation sites for Aster scaber Thunb and Ligularia fischeri are as follows (Choi et al 2009). Due to phosphoric manure fertilization, the available phosphate in upland soil was 6-20 times higher than that in forest land.…”

“…Previous studies also revealed that growth such as leaf length and width increased as nitrogen fertilization amount increased when planting Ligularia fischeri (Choi et al 2009). This study also revealed that total nitrogen content increased in the soil of Misan-ri where leaf growth appeared quickly.…”

Assessing the Suitability of Sediment Soil to Be Reused by Different Soil Treatments for Forest Agriculture

“…Improving soil physicochemical properties is known to increase the activity of effective microorganisms and soil nutrient availability, thereby promoting aboveground crop growth [42,52]. Additionally, Choi et al (2009) reported that A. scaber treated with 120 kg•ha −1 nitrogen yielded 88.0% more than the control that did not receive any fertilization, implying that as a leafy forest product, increased nitrogen content in aboveground growth can be directly related to growth and yield. Such findings were also found in the other forest crops e.g., Ligularia fischeri Turcz.…”

“…Recently, pharmacological effects in lowering cholesterol and anticancer have been associated with this herb [22,23]. Nonetheless, it has been reported that A. scaber is a nutrient-demanding species, with increased yields and growth at higher nitrogen fertilization rates [24].…”