Investigation of Soil Physico-chemical Properties in Saemangeum Reclaimed Tidal Land in Korea

This study was conducted to investigate the physical and chemical properties of soils in Saemangeum reclaimed lands. The investigated areas were total 5,020 ha which included 220 ha for Agricultural Life site, 2,450 ha for Tourism & Leisure site, 1,130 ha for Industrial & Research site, 820 ha for Bioenergy crop production site, and 400 ha for Rural City site. Soil samples consisting of the upper 20 cm from the surface were collected in every 200 m × 500 m of the each site in March and September, 2015. Particle size distribution of soils in the reclaimed land was 83.2% sand, 8.6% silt and 8.2% clay in average. Soil texture was distributed as 40.8% sandy soil, 35.5% loamy sand, and 19.7% sandy loam. Based on the investigation of soil chemical properties conducted in March, 2015, soil pH, electrical conductivity of a saturated soil paste extract (ECe), and exchangeable (Exch.) K + and Mg2 + concentrations were higher than those of the optimum levels for upland soil, whereas soil organic matter content, available (Avail.) phosphate concentration, and Exch. Ca 2+ concentration were lower than those of the optimum ranges. Depending on the results of the soil chemical properties measured in September, 2015, soil pH, ECe, and Exch. K + concentration were higher than those of the optimum levels, but soil organic matter, Avail. phosphate, and Exch. Ca 2+ concentration were lower than the optimum ranges. In addition, distribution of sodic soil ranged between 41.4% and 50.0%, and saline soils were from 16.4 to 31.8%. Soils with pH values above 7.0 increased from 15.3% in March to 35.2% in September. Soils with ECe values over 4.8 dS m- 1 increased from 45.6% to 50.7%, whereas soils with the values below 2.0 dS m -1 decreased from 42.8% to 36.9%.