Background : This study researches on the microclimate, photosynthesis and growth characteristics for the development of shading materials proper for the wide and inclined ginseng cultivation facility which can respond to climate change and save labor.
Methods and Results : The wide shading facilities were installed on the area of 1,000 ㎡ in 2014 and 4 facilities were installed on the test ginseng cultivation area. On Mar. 29, 2017, 2 blue shading nets [with the sun blocking rate of 85% (200 g/㎡) and 90% (220 g/㎡)] were installed each for 4 facilities. On June 26, 2017, the aluminum screen and black shading net (with the sun blocking rate of 40% each) were installed during the period of high temperature (30℃ or higher) for each facility. The maximum light intensity under the shading facility was high with blue shading net 85% and PE black shading net 40%, or blue shading net 85% and aluminum screen 40%, higher than other treatments. They were higher by 4.8 - 7.3%, 5.3 - 7.8% each in July and August. Among the coating materials for reducing the high temperature, the aluminum screen coating had less water leakage in early July, late July, mid-August and late August when the precipitation was more than 100 ㎜. The death of the aerial part of ginseng occurred less until October. The growth of the aerial part of 4-year ginseng was better in blue shading net 85% and PE black shading net 40%, blue shading net 85% and aluminum screen 40% or blue shading net 90% and PE black shading net 40% than in blue shading net 90% and aluminum screen 40% The photosynthesis rate was the highest in June with 3.67 μmol CO2/㎡/s under the blue shading net 90% and aluminum screen 40% and with 3.55 μmol CO2/㎡/s under blue shading net 85% and PE black shading net 40% for K-1. As for the land races ginseng, it was the highest with 3.55 μmol CO2/㎡/s under the blue shading net 85% and PE black shading net 40%. For the growth of the underground part of the 4-year ginseng, the blue shading net 85% + PE black shading net 40% or the blue shading net 85% + aluminum screen 40% was the best with respect to the growth of the ground part of the ginseng such as the length of root, the length of main root, diameter of root and weight of root than other treatment.
Conclusion : Best coating materials for the wide shading facilities are the blue shading net 85% and aluminum screen 40%.