탄소 흡수원 발굴을 위한 기초연구: 갯잔디(Zoysia sinica Hance)군락 이산화탄소 호흡량 측정 및 환경인자 상관성 분석

Abstract

There have been increasing number of approaches to address climate change. Recently, carbon neutrality based on marine ecosystems has garnered increasing attention in the context of blue carbon. In some research cases blue carbon-based carbon sinks is actively progressing, with strong challenges to include tidal flats in the IPCC inventory in South Korea. This study focuses on the carbon sink potential of halophytes, specifically proposing the potential of Zoysia sinica Hance communities, native to the southwestern coast of Jeollanam-do, as carbon sinks for the IPCC inventory. Zoysia sinica Hance is one of the representative halophytes native to South Korea; however, research on its role as a carbon sink is currently inadequate. Therefore, this study undertook the following investigations: Firstly, respiration measurements of Zoysia sinica Hance in Bokgil-ri, Cheonggye-myeon, Muan-gun, Jeollanam-do, revealed a maximum value of 1.36 g m² hr-¹and an overall average of 0.50 g m² hr-¹. Secondly, an analysis of environmental factors affecting the carbon respiration of Zoysia sinica Hance identified significant correlations with soil moisture (r=0.517**), soil temperature (r= 0.488**), and air temperature (r=0.436**). These factors were found to significantly influence the carbon respiration of Zoysia sinica Hance. Thirdly, a comparison of carbon respiration during the dormant and active periods of Zoysia sinica Hance demonstrated an increase from -0.81 g m² hr-¹ during dormancy to 1.36 g m²hr-¹ during the active period, indicating the potential of Zoysia sinica Hance as a carbon sink. The findings of this study not only suggest the feasibility of Zoysia sinica Hance as a carbon sink but also provide foundational data for quantifying its economic value as a new carbon sink in carbon credit markets. Additionally, it was determined that soil moisture, a major environmental factor affecting the carbon respiration of Zoysia sinica Hance, should be measured based on the elevation or altitude of the habitat rather than administrative or regional classifications. This approach accounts for the tidal variations in intertidal zones and ensures the reliability and consistency of data as emphasized by the IPCC guidelines. Moreover, the identification of these influencing factors can be applied to marine ecosystem planting and restoration techniques in future marine-based projects.