Agricultural Soil Management Practices by Assessing the Soil Chemical Properties of Plastic Film Houses in Korea

This study was designed to assess the changes of soil chemical properties in the intensive plastic film houses and develop sustainable agricultural practices on soil management. Soil testing data (158,227), uploaded on Korean soil information system (http://soil.rda.go.kr) from 2006 to 2015, were analyzed. The study showed that soil pH and organic matter (OM) have kept within the standard ranges and electrical conductivity (EC), available phosphate (Avail. P 2 O 5 ) and exchangeable (Exch.) cations (K, Ca, and Mg) were increased from 2006 to 2015. Relative frequency distribution were 57% for pH 6.5<, 32% for OM 15-25 g kg -1 in 2015, and the contents of Exch. K, Ca, and Mg in 2015 was the highest in 0.2-0.5, 6.0-9.0, 2.0-4.0 cmol c kg -1 , respectively. Soil pH, Exch. Ca and Mg were high levels in oriental melon growing region and OM, Avail. P 2 O 5 and Exch. K were sufficient in tomato and pepper field. More than half of the farmlands below the standard range of OM contents and the ratio of high range in Exch. Ca and Mg were increased. Soil testing results including pH, OM and Exch. cations are essential parameters for crop growth. According to the results of the soil testing, adequate amount of fertilizer, compost and soil amendment should be supplied to ensure stable crop productivity.