Effect of Fermented Compost on Cultivation of Ginseng Seedling
Background : The Production of high quality ginseng seedling become increasingly important in the cultivation of ginseng because the quality of ginseng seedling is closely related to yield of ginseng. However, it has become difficult to produce high quality ginseng seedling due to environmental instability such as an increase in the occurrence of abnormal climate and pests, and the difficulty in obtain new place to cultivate ginseng seedling. This study was carried out to analyze the growth characteristics of ginseng seedling according to application of fermented compost during ginseng seedling cultivation Methods and Results : In order to evaluate the effect of fermented compost on the growth of ginseng seedling, fermented compost containing antagonistic microorganism was prepared and applied 300kg per 10a to planned place for ginseng cultivation. After seeding of the ginseng seeds, the growth of ginseng was analysed. The pH, EC, organic matter, P2O5 and NO3-N of the compost treated group were 6.1, 2.75 ds/m, 18.97 g/㎏, 1,202 ㎎/㎏ and 287.4 ㎎/㎏, respectively, while those of non-treated group were 6.6, 0.25 ds/m, 14.67 g/㎏, 1,055 ㎎/㎏ and 8.77 ㎎/㎏, respectively. As a result of analyzing the growth characteristics of ginseng seedling, the growth of aboveground part was not significantly different between the treated and non-treated group. The root length and root diameter were 13.0 ± 1.50 ㎝ and 5.5 ± 0.27 ㎜, respectively, which were not significantly different from non-treated group. However, root weight was 1.20 ± 0.14 g, which is 1.4 times higher than that of control. Conclusion : It was confirmed that the quality of ginseng seedling was improved by compost application. These results suggested that fermented compost could be used as a material for nutrients management in ginseng seedling cultivation.