Earticle

The charcoal industry in Korea is facing a crisis due to a lack of competitiveness from the increase of imported charcoal and material costs. Using traditional charcoal kiln for thermal therapy has problems such as safety and public health. Therefore, we developed a modified kiln for both thermal therapy and charcoal production, and compared the quality of charcoal between a traditional charcoal kiln and a thermal therapy kiln. The results showed that the white charcoal from a thermal therapy kiln had similar quality with that from a traditional charcoal kiln. In this study, we analyzed and compared the characteristics of the white charcoal from a thermal therapy kiln in different month. Calorific value, ash content, volatile matter, fixed carbon, pH, density, refining degree and hardness were examined. Anatomical characteristics were also observed using a scanning electron microscope. There were no considerable differences on the examined contents between thermal therapy kiln and traditional kiln. As a result, the white charcoal from the thermal therapy kiln met the quality standards of wood products of Korea Forestry Promotion Institute. On the other hand, the white charcoal produced in July had a slightly higher moisture content than that in the other months.

The aim of this study was to provide basic guidelines for conservation and management of endangered plants in the national parks of Korea. Pedicularis hallaisanensis Hurus (Scrophulariaceae) is considered a second-class endangered species by Korean government and it is listed as a EN (Endangered) species in Red Data Book of Korea. We analyzed ecological conditions of P.hallaisanensis habitats based on vegetation properties and soil characteristics. This species which is known to inhabit in sub-alpine grassland of Korea and its population was located at an elevation of 1,374m to 1,916m. In the study sites, soil organic matter, total nitrogen, soil moisture, available phosphate, exchangeable potassium, exchangeable calcium, exchangeable magnesium, exchangeable sodium, cation exchange capacity and soil pH were 2.55-22.48%, 0.10-0.71%, 17.20-57.57%, 1.98-7.77ppm, 0.05– 0.22cmol+/kg, 0.78-18.21cmol+/kg, 0.25-0.76cmol+/kg, 0.08-0.13cmol+/kg, 5.35-26.48cmol+/kg and 5.69-7.55 respectively. Additionally, the genetic variation and structure of three populations were assessed using microsatellite markers.The genetic diversity of P.hallaisanensis among populations was the highest in Mt. Gayasan. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) apportioned among population and within population variations, showing more genetic variance (52%) occurred in within population, and 48% variation among populations. Lastly, we developed predicted distribution model based on climate and topographic factors by applying SDMs (Species Distribution Models). Consequently, current status of P. hallaisanensis habitats were very fragile and vulnerable with the pressure of the vegetation and the climate change constantly threatening the species’ survival. Therefore, it is essential to establish in situ conservation strategies for protecting natural habitats and to require exploring potential and alternative habitats for reintroduction.