In this study, we investigated the vertical distribution and vascular plants on Joryeongsan Mountain in Baekdudaegan, Korea. The results of four field surveys from April to September 2023 identified a total of 552 taxa, representing 491 species, ten subspecies, 43 varieties, six forms, and two hybrids in 314 genera and 101 families. The elevational distribution ranges of 360 taxa of vascular plants were also identified. Among them, 19 taxa were endemic to Korea, and two taxa were rare plants. The floristic target plants amounted to 100 taxa, specifically two taxa of grade V, seven taxa of grade IV, 25 taxa of grade III, 33 taxa of grade II, and 33 taxa of grade I. Seventy-eight taxa were northern lineage plants. In all, 29 taxa of alien plants were recorded in the investigated area, with a naturalized index of 5.3% and an urbanization index of 7.4%. Two plants disturbed the ecosystem. Species richness along the elevation showed a reversed doublehump shape with peaks at low, mid, and high elevations. The results of a cluster analysis showed a high degree of similarity between adjacent elevation sections, except in lowlands. Detrended Correspondence Analysis ordination also supported distinct groups by elevation. Warmth index values ranged from 62.1ºC·month to 92.9ºC·month on Joryeongsan Mountain. Our results provide primary data on vascular plants and valuable information on the current distribution ranges of plant species on Joryeongsan Mountain. These data could serve as a baseline for comparing species shifts at elevations under future climate changes.

For appropriate nutrient management and enhanced plant growth, soil sensors which reflect soil nutrient levels are required. Because there is no available sensor for nutrient monitoring, electrical conductivity (EC) sensor can be used to evaluate soil nutrient levels. Soil nutrient management using EC sensors would be possible by understanding the relationship between sensor EC values and soil temperature, moisture, and nutrient content. However, the relationship between soil sensor EC values and plant available nutrients was not investigated. Therefore, the objectives of the study were to evaluate effect of different amount of urea on soil EC monitored by sensors during pepper and broccoli cultivation and to predict the plant available nutrient contents in soil. During the cultivation period, soil was collected periodically for analyzing pH and EC, and the available nutrient contents. The sensor EC value increased as the moisture content increased, and low fertilizer treated soil showed the lowest EC value. Principal component analysis was performed to determine the relationship between sensor EC and available nutrients in soil. Sensor EC showed a strong positive correlation with nitrate nitrogen and available Ca. In addition, sum of available nutrients such as Ca, Mg, K, P, S and N was positively related to the sensor EC values. Therefore, EC sensors in open field can be used to predict plant available nutrient levels for proper management of the soil.

This study was conducted to investigate the vertical distribution and vascular plants in the Gakho mountain. Form the results of three field surveys from May 2022 to September 2022, a total of 478 total taxa, representing 426 species, 11 subspecies, 35 varieties, four forms, and two hybrids were identified, which were categorized in 282 genera and 94 families. We identified the elevational distribution ranges of 398 taxa of vascular plants. Among them, 19 taxa were endemic to Korea, one taxon was identified as a rare plant. The floristic target plants amounted to 72 taxa, specifically two taxa of grade V, two taxa of grade IV, 16 taxa of grade III, 27 taxa of grade II, and 25 taxa of grade I. Further, 71 taxa were identified as northern lineage plants. A total of 19 taxa of alien plants were identified, with a Naturalized Index of 4.0%, an Urbanization Index of 6.6%, and three plants that disturbed the ecosystem. The result of analyzing the pattern of species richness showed a reversed hump shape with minimum richness at midhigh elevation. A cluster analysis showed a high degree of similarity between adjacent elevation sections that are geographically adjacent with similar habitat environments. Warmth index in the Gakho mountain ranged from 57.2°C · month to 84.2°C · month. Our results provide basic data on vascular plants and valuable information on elevational distribution ranges of current plant species in the Gakho mountain, which could serve as a baseline for comparison of the shifts in elevation under future climate change.