This study was conducted to analyze long-term trends in moisture content and regional distribution characteristics of winter forages produced in Korea. A total of 14,204 samples collected from forage production farms and TMR facilities across 128 Si/Gun units nationwide from 2015 to 2024 were analyzed for moisture content, and annual, regional, and species-specific trends were examined accordingly. The overall mean moisture content was 34.82 ± 16.68%, with a declining trend from 46.70% in 2015 to 30.71% in 2024. Among the forage species, Italian ryegrass showed the lowest mean moisture content (29.44 ± 13.31%), decreasing consistently from 41.16% in 2015 to 23.91% in 2024, contributing substantially to the overall declining trend. Regional variation in moisture content was associated with differences in forage storage type composition, with Gangwon province showing higher moisture content corresponding to a greater proportion of silage, while Jeonbuk province showed lower moisture content with a higher proportion of hay. No statistically significant correlations were found between moisture content and environmental factors including precipitation and drainage installation rate (p>0.05), suggesting that final moisture content is likely influenced by multiple factors beyond regional precipitation, highlighting the need for further studies including direct variables like post-harvest management. The proportion of hay increased from 7.8% in 2015 to 32.3% in 2024, while silage decreased from 43.9% to 15.0%, a trend that coincides with the implementation of the national forage quality grading system initiated in 2015, suggesting a possible association. These results provide baseline data for developing region-specific forage production and quality management strategies in Korea.

This study demonstrated that inlet moisture content is a critical factor influencing drying efficiency, production rate prediction accuracy, and feed value changes of Italian ryegrass (IRG) in a multi-stage conveyor-type hot-air forage dryer. The experiment was conducted by uniformly loading IRG at a fixed drying height of approximately 25 cm with four different inlet moisture contents (30, 40, 50, and 60%). Drying time increased exponentially with increasing inlet moisture content, and a strong linear relationship was observed between inlet moisture content and the time required to reach 15% moisture, enabling the development of a reliable drying time prediction model. The proposed model showed high applicability and prediction accuracy at inlet moisture contents of 30–40%, where predicted and measured production rates were in close agreement. However, at inlet moisture contents of 60% or higher, the model substantially overestimated production rates, indicating limitations under high-moisture conditions. This behavior was attributed to reduced airflow penetration and diminished heat and mass transfer efficiency caused by increased material thickness and particle mass at high moisture levels. Feed value analysis revealed that crude protein content decreased by 12–20% following hot-air drying compared with fresh material, while ether extract, crude ash, and fiber components were not significantly affected. No significant differences in crude protein loss were observed among treatments with inlet moisture contents of 60% or lower. In conclusion, the multi-stage conveyor-type hot-air dryer and the proposed prediction model are suitable for drying Italian ryegrass at inlet moisture contents of 40% or lower and can be effectively applied under practical operating conditions. However, at inlet moisture contents of 60% or higher, improvements in airflow distribution within the dryer or the incorporation of moisture-dependent correction factors are required to enhance drying performance and prediction accuracy.

This study analyzed the texture and rheological properties of waxy barley flour subjected to heat-moisture treatment and α-amylase treatment and examined how these treatments affect the processing suitability. Waxy barley flours were treated with a heat-moisture treatment (HM), α-amylase treatment (EZ), and their combined treatment (HM-EZ), and the transparency, textural properties, steady shear flow, and dynamic viscoelastic characteristics were analyzed. The HM and HM-EZ treatments maintained low transparency from the early storage stage and exhibited higher hardness and gel strength, suggesting enhanced gel-forming characteristics, as well as higher shear stress and apparent viscosity under shear conditions. In contrast, the EZ-treated samples showed improved initial dispersibility, increased adhesiveness and extensibility, and lower viscosity with higher flowability. Dynamic rheological analysis revealed elastic-dominant gel behavior in the HM and HM-EZ treatments, whereas the EZ treatment resulted in a lower storage modulus and more flexible viscoelastic behavior. These results show that the physical and rheological properties of waxy barley flour vary with the heat-moisture and α-amylase treatments, and suggest that tailored processing strategies can be used to design waxy barley-based food ingredients for specific applications.

This study presents an approach to estimate the measurement uncertainty in food moisture and vitamin C analyses by applying the top-down factor to the bottom-up method, following the GUM (Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement) and the EURACHEM guide. Uncertainty sources were identified as measurement repeatability, weight of dish, and pre- and post-drying weight for moisture analysis; and measurement repeatability, weight of sample, final volume of sample, standard solution preparation, and calibration curve for vitamin C analysis. Each source was evaluated as type A or type B, and the combined uncertainty was calculated. The applicability across diverse food matrices was confirmed by assessing the measurement uncertainty using three representative samples, each from a different food group. For the moisture content, the measurement results and expanded uncertainty were 11.76±0.17% for whole wheat, 63.57±0.45% for peeled chestnut, and 91.44±0.15% for green onion. The vitamin C content was 8.56±0.35 mg/100 g for peach, 10.51±1.65 mg/100 g for seaweed fusiforme, and 104.72±3.31 mg/100 g for bell pepper. The proposed approach simplifies the calculations and is applicable across diverse food matrices, facilitating a cost-effective and efficient estimation of the measurement uncertainty in food nutrient analyses and enhancing the reliability of the analytical results.

Korea’s aging rural workforce has led to serious labor shortages in chrysanthemum production, where approximately 90%–95% of growers still rely on conventional soil-based methods. Although sensor-driven automated irrigation is emerging as a labor-saving, resource-efficient technology, its use in soil-grown floricultural crops remains limited. This study assessed the suitability of soil moisture sensors for automated irrigation in the standard-type chrysanthemum “Baekgang”. Plants were cultivated in two soil-based greenhouses in Busan. Environmental conditions, including air temperature, humidity, vapor pressure deficit, and photosynthetic photon flux density, were recorded. Soil conditions were measured using FDR sensors (VWC and EC) and matric potential sensors, installed at a depth of 5 cm. Flowering quality was evaluated after the first harvest. Despite similar atmospheric conditions, soil water dynamics differed notably between farms. VWC averaged 23% in Farm A and 26% in Farm B, with fluctuations of ~6% and ~7%, respectively. Matric potential varied more widely, with range values of 32.6 kPa in Farm A and 51.2 kPa in Farm B, which reflects greater sensitivity to soil moisture changes. Farm A maintained stable moisture and lower EC, whereas Farm B experienced over-irrigation due to a high EC level of 8.25 mS·cm-1. These differences significantly reduced flower quality in Farm B, producing smaller capitulum (flower head) and thinner peduncles compared with flowers from Farm A. These findings demonstrate that matric potential sensors provide higher-resolution soil moisture data compared with VWC sensors. Therefore, combining matric potential and EC sensors is recommended for precise irrigation management in soil-based chrysanthemum production.

본 연구는 HM-TVP가 식물성 대체육 제품의 질감에 미치는 영향을 조사하기 위하여 돼지고기 등심(PL), 건식조직식물단백(DT) 및 HMTVP를 이용하여 모델 패티와 모델 소시지를 식물성 바인더와 혼합하 여 제조하였고, 이의 TPA 특성과 절단경도를 조사하여 비교하였다. 본 연구에서는 식물단백질 원료가 다른 2종의 HM-TVP (HN 및 HS) 를 사용하였다. 원료육의 조직화 지수는 HN>HS>삶은 PL>PL=팬프 라이 PL의 순서로 높았다. 모델 패티의 경우, 부분 조리한 후 냉동하 였을 때 해동 시 미미한 수준으로 발생하였다. 그러나 부분 조리한 후 냉동한 모델 패티는 팬프라이 시 조리손실이 비조리 후 냉동한 모델 패티보다 낮은 수준을 나타내었다. HN과 HS를 이용한 모델 패티의 질감은 PL을 이용한 것보다 더욱 단단한 수준이었다. 한편 모델 소시 지의 경우, 부분 조리 후 냉동한 모델 소시지를 삶아서 완전 조리할 때는 조리손실이 발생하지 않았으나, 팬프라이하여 완전 조리 시에는 유의미한 수준의 조리손실이 발생하였다. 그럼에도 모델 소시지의 질 감은 HN을 이용할 때가 PL을 이용한 모델 소시지의 질감에 더욱 유 사한 수준을 나타내었다. 전반적으로 HM-TVP는 햄버거 패티 형태의 식물성 대체육 제품보다는 소시지 형태의 것에 적용하는 것이 질감적 인 측면에서 더욱 적합한 것 같다.

본 연구는 고구마(Ipomoea batatas L.) 재배에서 토양 수분 함량별 고구마 괴근의 형태 및 수량 변화를 분석하기 위해 2023년부터 2024년까지 2년간 경상국립대학교 내동캠퍼스 부속농장에서 수행되었다. 시험 1년차(2023년) 처리구는 건조구(DD, dry)와 과습구(WW, wet), 대조구로 적습구 (N, normal)를 설정하였으며, 시험 2년차(2024년)는 건조구(DD), 반건조구(D, semi-dry), 과습구(WW), 반과습구(W, semi-wet), 대조구로는 적습구(N, Normal)를 설정하였다. 2년간 고구마 전 생육기간 평균 토양 수분함량은 반건조구 23.2%, 건조구 19.9%, 적습구 32.5%, 반과습구 43.3%, 과습구 47.6%로 나타났다. 2년간의 시험 결과, 괴근 길이는 적습구에서 각각 20.9, 21.3 cm로 가장 길었고, 괴근 직경 또한 적습구에서 각각 8.10 cm, 7.50 cm로 가장 길었다. 적습구의 장폭비는 2.58, 3.00으로 방추형으로 나타났고, 괴근 모양은 달걀형이 각각 주당 3.87, 5.06 개로 가장 높았고, 건조구와 과습구는 부정형 괴근의 발생 비율이 적습구 보다 증가하였다. 괴근 수량은 2년간 적습구에서 각각 3.15, 4.86 ton 10a-1로 가장 높았다. 반면, 적습구 대비 건조구에서는 평균 54.4%, 과습구는 평균 47.3% 감소하는 경향을 나타냈다. 본 연구를 통해 토양 수분 함량에 따라 다양한 형태의 괴근이 생산될 수 있으며, 용도에 맞춰 형태 조절이 가능함을 확인하였다. 특히, 토양 수분을 약 30% 내·외로 유지할 경우 괴근 형성과 비대가 촉진되며, 수량 증대와 함께 선호도가 높은 달걀형 고구마 생산이 가능할 것으로 사료된다.

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of natural drying methods on the moisture content and germination of Italian ryegrass seed in Jicheon reclaimed land, Jangheung, Korea, from 2023 to 2024. The natural drying methods tested included seed spread thicknesses of 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 cm; seed reversal frequencies of 1, 2 and 3 times per day; and two reversal methods: seed-only reversal and complete mixing of seed with a dry mat. The thinner seed spread thickness significantly accelerated moisture content reduction(p<0.001). However, the reduction in moisture contents due to the number and method of seed reversal was minimal, approximately 1%. Seeds initially having around 48.9% moisture content required 2, 4 and 5 days to reach a moisture content of 14% when dried at spread thickness of 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 cm, respectively. Seeds with an initial moisture content of 23-26% required 1 to 2 days to reach 14% moisture content while maintaining approximately 80% germination rate under the tested natural drying methods. When seeds with an initial moisture content of 48.9% were dried at a spread thickness of 2.5 cm, the germination rate was 74.6%, which was significantly lower than the 83.8 and 81.6% germination rates observed for seeds dried at 5.0 and 7.5 cm thickness, respectively(p<0.002). These results suggest that for faster drying and higher-quality Italian ryegrass seed, harvesting at 30% seed moisture content, utilizing the cultivation field as a seed drying place, and applying a seed spread thickness of 2.5 to 5.0 cm are optimal practices.

This study investigates the factors influencing the seed longevity of Quercus myrsinifolia, a species with recalcitrant seeds highly sensitive to desiccation and freezing. The effects of moisture content, seed collection date, and storage methods on seed viability were analyzed using exponential decay modeling. Interactions between these factors were also explored to refine conservation strategies. Seeds with moisture content above 40% demonstrated a predicted seed longevity of 2.19 years, whereas those with moisture content below 30% had seed longevity of less than 1 year. Late-season seeds collected in November and December exhibited superior germination percentages and longer predicted seed longevity (1.32 years) compared to early-season seeds collected in September and October (<1 year). In seed weight, large seeds (2.0 g) showed longer predicted seed longevity about 1.5 times greater than that of small seeds (<1.2g). Storage methods significantly affected seed longevity, with refrigerator (4°C) with silica gel maintaining viability for 2–3 years, while seeds stored at room temperature (25°C) exhibited a seed longevity of less than 1 year. Silica gel was found to prevent seed deterioration due to over-desiccation, emphasizing the importance of balanced moisture regulation. Q. myrsinifolia seeds exhibited 𝑏 values ranging from 0.30 to 2.04, demonstrating a close relationship between decay constant, moisture content, storage conditions, and seed longevity. These findings provide critical insights into optimizing seed storage and propagation strategies for Q. myrsinifolia, contributing to its conservation and ecological restoration efforts.

국내 수박(Citrullus lanatus) 품종의 발아율에 대한 Solid Matrix Priming(SMP)의 영향을 평가하였다. Micro cel-E가 SMP 처리에 가장 이상적인 matrix로 밝혀졌으며, 종자:matix:물의 비율은 10:5:10(w/w/w)로, 25°C 에서 3일 동안 처리했을 때 유근의 돌출없이 발아속도가 촉진되었다. SMP 처리 과정 동안 초기 4시간 동안의 수분 흡수율은 급격하게 증가했으며, 이후 72시간 동안은 더 느린 속도로 흡수되었고, 처리 마지막 시간까지 수분 흡수 율은 41%이었다. 발아 온도와 상관없이, SMP 처리된 종자는 발아 시간이 단축되면서 발아율이 향상되었다. 특히, 최적 발아 온도보다 낮은 온도에서 발아율이 높았다. 품종별 차이는 있었으나, 특히 ‘해찬꿀’과 ‘리코스위트’ 품종 에서 발아율이 유의미하게 증가하였다. 또한 일부 품종에서 SMP 처리 종자의 유묘출현율과 초장, 생체중이 무처 리에 비하여 증가한 값을 보였으며, SMP 처리로 종자의 발아속도 및 유묘활력을 증진시켜 우량 묘 확보가 가능한 것으로 판단되었다.

본 연구는 국내 유통 후 분화 칼랑코에 Kalanchoe blossfeldiana ‘Queen Bell’의 배지 수분함량에 따른 분화품질 및 수명 차이를 분석하고자 수행되었다. 출하 후 배지 내 수분함량(Substrate moisture content, %)은 매주 관수를 통해 고습(≥90%), 중습 (40~55%), 저습(10~30%) 3수준으로 처리하였다. 분화수명은 저습처리가 고습과 중습처리보다 36.8~42.3% 단축시켰다. 분 화수명 종료증상 중 잎의 황화증상은 저습처리에서 100% 나타 났다. 분화의 초장은 출하 후 분화수명 종료시점인 4주차에는 차이가 없었으나, 식물폭은 저습 처리가 고습과 중습 처리보다 13.4~15.4% 낮았다. 전체 꽃눈수와 개화된 꽃수는 1주차에는 처리간 차이가 없었으나, 4주차에 저습 처리에서 고습과 중습 처리구보다 낮았다. 개화율(Flowering rate)은 모든 처리구에 서 시간 경과에 따라 증가하였으나, 저습처리의 출하 대비 개화 율(Flwering compared to shipment)은 3주 이후부터 가장 낮았다. 5주차의 지상부의 생체중 및 건물중은 처리간 차이가 없었다. 반면 지하부의 생체중 및 건물중은 저습 처리가 고습과 중습 처리보다 모두 낮았다. 출하 후 4주차의 잎의 엽록소함량, Fv/Fm, 기공크기변화율은 처리간 차이가 없었다. 이때, 꽃잎과 잎의 온도는 고습처리에서 중습처리보다 낮았고, 저습처리에서 중습처리보다 높았다. 결론적으로 분화 칼랑코에의 출하 후 배 지 내 저습(10~30%)처리는 고습(≥90%)과 중습(40~55%)처리에 비해 분화수명을 단축시켰고, 잎의 황화현상을 증가시켰다. 특히 저습처리는 분화수명 종료 시점에 식물 폭, 전체 꽃눈수, 개화된 꽃수, 출하 대비 개화율, 지하부의 생제중 및 건물중을 감소시켰고, 꽃잎과 잎의 온도를 증가시켰다.

본 연구는 아메리카동애등에(Hermetia illucens)의 대량 사육을 위하여 남은음식물 사료의 최적 수분 함량과 적정 사육 밀도를 조사하였다. 실 험에서는 500 g의 습식 사료의 수분 함량을 각각 30%, 50%, 70%, 90%로 조정한 후, 3,500마리의 3령 유충을 7일 동안 사육하였다. 그 결과, 90% 수분 함량에서 평균 유충 무게는 7.19 g으로 측정되었고, 70% 수분 함량에서 가장 높은 무게인 10.54 g이 나타났다. 반면, 50%와 30% 수분 함량에 서는 유충 생육이 저조한 결과가 나타났다. 적절 사육 밀도를 조사를 위해 100,000, 150,000, 200,000, 250,000 마리의 3령 유충을 70% 수분함량 의 100 kg 습식 사료에 7일 동안 처리하였다. 그 결과, 250,000 마리에서 총 유충 생산량이 22.79 kg으로 가장 높게 나타났으나, 150,000, 200,000, 250,000 마리 밀도 간에는 유의미한 차이가 없었다. 100마리당 평균 무게는 100,000 마리에서 16.90 g, 150,000 마리에서 15.20 g, 200,000 마리 에서 11.30 g, 250,000 마리에서 9.50 g으로 확인되었으며, 100,000 마리와 150,000 마리 밀도 간에는 유의미한 차이가 없었다. 결론적으로, 남은 음식물 사료인 습식사료 100 kg를 급여할 경우 수분 함량을 70%로 유지하고 사육 밀도를 15만 마리로 설정하는 것이 가장 효과적임을 확인하였다.

To prevent and improve various metabolic-related diseases caused by modern high-energy eating habits, alternative meats using mushroom materials are being researched. In this study, high-moisture (HMMA) and low-moisture meat analog (LMMA) were prepared using Pleurotus ostreatus fruiting body (oyster mushroom) powder and isolated soy protein as the raw materials in a co-rotating twin-screw extruder. Textural characteristics tended to decrease as the oyster mushroom content increased. HMMA exhibited a fibrous structure similar to that of chicken, whereas LMMA did not show a characteristic fibrous structure. The water absorption capacity of substitute meat decreased with increasing mushroom powder content. Radical scavenging activity, a measure of antioxidant activity, increased with increasing mushroom content in the substitute meat because of the influence of antioxidant components such as polyphenols in mushrooms. In terms of the prepared substitute meat's color, it was less vibrant and lacked intensity, which is thought to make it less appealing to customers. To address this issue, more ingredients need to be investigated.

Pavements have historically been used for mobility, but their usage in cities is steadily increasing owing to social and cultural development. Urban development is rapidly accelerating, primarily because of the concentration of the urban population. Additionally, the effects of the urban heat island are intensifying owing to global warming. One of the main factors contributing to this phenomenon is the increase in impermeable layers, such as asphalt and concrete pavements, in city centers. Various technological developments have been conducted to reduce the effects of urban heat islands. This study developed a moisture-retaining asphalt that absorbs moisture by incorporating a highly super-absorbent polymer (SAP) into a porous asphalt mixture, with the aim of alleviating the urban-heat-island effect. The porous asphalt mixture was designed accordingly. When the mixing design was completed, tests for the tensile strength ratio (TSR), asphalt wheel tracking, and indoor water permeability were conducted on the porous asphalt. Moreover, Hamburg wheel tracking and dynamic water acupuncture tests were performed to evaluate the compatibility of SAP moisture-retaining asphalt, and the results were as follows: Depending on the type and content of SAP, we confirmed that the TSR and permeability coefficient decreased as the amount of SAP increased, resulting in a decrease in durability. In addition, thermal characteristics and simulations showed that the SAP asphalt mixture would have a heat island reduction effect. In this paper, guidelines for the blending design of SAP moisture-retaining asphalt are presented with the aim of alleviating the urban heat island phenomenon by ensuring durability while simultaneously reducing surface temperatures.

This study proposes a soil moisture retrieval method from ground reflection signals received by Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna modules consisting of an up-looking (UP) right-hand circular polarization (RHCP) and two down-looking (DW) RHCP and left-hand circular polarization (LHCP) signals. Field experiments at four different surface types (asphalt, grassland, dry soil, and moist soil) revealed that the DW RHCP and LHCP signals are affected by antenna height and multipath interference signals. The strength differences between the DW LHCP and UP RHCP signals were in good agreement with the DW LHCP signals. Methodologically, this study applied a spectrum analysis to the detrended surface-reflected signals for RHCP and LHCP. The study indicated that the down-looking antenna exhibited greater sensitivity to reflected GPS signals than the up-looking antenna. We demonstrated the feasibility of estimating soil moisture using GPS signals, by comparing LHCP signals received by the down-looking antenna with theoretical values. This study presents a novel method for estimating soil moisture in vegetated areas, leveraging the advantage of crosspolarization comparisons to achieve stronger signal strength than single-polarization reflection signals. With further research, including long-term observations and detailed analysis, the proposed method has the potential to enhance performance significantly.

In this study, we explored the potential of the Maillard reaction-based time-temperature indicators (TTI) as a tool for predicting and visualizing moisture variations during high-temperature drying. Using activation energy analysis, we found that the Maillard reaction-based TTI could not only visualize but also predict changes in moisture contents during high-temperature drying of 60-80oC. The color changes of the Maillard reaction solutions were distinct enough to be discerned with the naked eye, transitioning from colorless to black via the shift of yellow, light brown, brown, and dark brown. The dynamic characteristics for the color change in the Maillard reaction solutions and the moisture changes in the drying of thin-layer apples could be expressed with high suitability using a logistic model. This suggests that the Maillard reaction-based TTI can potentially be a practical and reliable tool for predicting the moisture changes for the high-temperature drying of thin-layer apples, offering a promising avenue for future research and applications.