Vegetational Characteristics and Management Measures of the North-gate Mountainous Wetland, Mt. Geumjeong

Abstract

The mountainous wetlands of Korea face a crisis due to deterioration from a natural succession posed by both arid climate and human activity. In response, governmental sources must determine the best path toward protecting mountainous wetlands from these damaging threats. Accordingly, this study was conducted to gather basic data, such as the wetland status in regard to the region’s environmental ecology, coupled with extant disturbances, in order to comprehend the mountainous wetland ecosystem. The study defined and accelerated a methodology in which to efficiently conserve and manage these valuable wetlands. According to the results of a topographic survey, 80% of the wetland presents a 5°sloping angle, which may be described as flat. The wetland consisted of accumulated peat, positioned over a granite basis. As a result, the research site will maintain the current status, unless a method is found to cause the water to flow out abruptly. The regional flora is composed of 41 families, 104 genera, and 143 species, especially Molinia japonica, Sium ninsi, and Leucanthemella linearis. These three species are the most valuable of the group. The actual vegetation of the wetland-dependent grassland (14.22%), such as Molinia japonica, Isachne globosa, Carex spp., and others, as well as species in the arid grassland (12.56%) consisting of Miscanthus sinensis and Eragrostis multicaulis, etc., are representative. However, in mixed vegetation areas, the species Molinia japonica blended with Miscanthus sinensis causes concern for the continuance of arid shrubs, which have proved highly desirable for processing the arid soil. Finally, vegetations valuable for preservation are diminishing steadily due to a lack of water flow, human usage, and soil inflow as deforestation occurs on-site. Symptoms of an on-going arid process were evidenced as arid vegetation such as Miscanthus sinensis, Rodendendron yedoense var. poukhanense, etc. broadened seriously. For the longevity of our valued wetlands, this study found a paramount need to address and thereby diminish these damaging factors. In retrospect, for the sound maintenance of a sustainable mountainous wetland, it is essential to execute exact management measures, inclusive of preventing the inflow of soil and organic matter, connecting the surface and subterranean waters, and prohibiting the widening of the damage inflicted on the area by arid vegetation and human activity. Keywords: Mountainous wetland succession, Wetland dependent grassland, Arid grassland, Damaging factor, Aridness