The objective of the present study was to perform a comparative analysis of the chemical properties of the cultivation site soil and growth characteristics of organically and conventionally cultivated ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer). Organically and conventionally cultivated ginseng samples (4-, 5-, and 6-year-old) were collected from 52 fields at 14 locations throughout Korea. The samples were collected over three years from 2013 to 2015, with the collection period between October and November of each year. In order to increase the yield of organically cultivated ginseng, the amount of nutrients was increased to match that of the conventional cultivation system, which highlights the need for proper management in accordance with the standards for chemical properties of soil. Growth duration of organic ginseng was ≥60 days shorter than that of conventional ginseng and its average yield per 1ha was 60% than that of conventional ginseng. Root weight of organically cultivated ginseng was approximately 54% that of conventionally cultivated ginseng. Rhizome diameter and body shape index of organically cultivated ginseng were lower than those of conventionally cultivated ginseng, indicating that organically cultivated ginseng was thinner and longer than conventionally cultivated ginseng. Root length was greater in 5-year-old conventionally cultivated ginseng with a low percentage of paddy-upland rotation fields. The number of rootlets was lower in 5- and 6-year-old organically cultivated ginseng with a high percentage of direct seeding cultivation. Dry weight was distinctly lower in 5- and 6-year-old organically cultivated ginseng with early defoliation than that of conventionally cultivated ginseng. Incidences of notched belly and root rot tended to be higher in conventional cultivation, with the incidence of notched belly being distinctly higher in 4- and 6-year-old roots and root rot being more prevalent in 5- and 6-year-old roots. Red discoloration and eelworm damage, which are highly affected by soil moisture, were most common in the organically cultivated 4-year-old roots. Organically cultivated ginseng showed early defoliation than conventionally cultivated ginseng, as a result, its yield and weight were low, while the incidence of physiological disorders was low. In order to increase the yield of organically cultivated ginseng, studies on cultivation technology that can overcome early defoliation, as well as soil moisture management that can minimize physiological disorders, are required.

Organic ginseng farming has rapidly increased in response to consumer demand for a safe product which improves health. Differences in soil nutrient concentration and ginsenoside content between organic and conventional ginseng farming have, however, not yet been properly studied. Therefore the aim of the present study was to compare soil nutrient concentration and ginsenoside content between these two farming systems. NO3-N, P2O5, and K were significantly different between organic and conventional ginseng farming. The total content of ginsenoside and individual ginsenoside components were higher in organically grown ginseng than in ginseng from conventional farming, although there is no significant difference. Particularly, protopanaxadiol saponins were higher than protopanaxatriol saponins in ginseng from organic farming compared to ginseng produced by conventional farming. NO3-N content in soils showed a negative correlation with the content of ginseno-sides Rb2 and Rd. In addition, P2O5 showed a negative correlation with ginseno-sides Rb1, Rc, and PD/PT ratio. Organic matter showed a positive crrelation with ginsenosides Re. To increase the ginsenoside content of ginseng, we recommend increasing organic matter and decreasing NO3-N and P2O5 contents in the soil.