earticle

영어

Many tree species produce sap, which has been utilized in various ways, including as a food source, since ancient times. In Korea, Acer pictum Thunb. var. mono is the most representative sap-producing species. Acer tataricum also produces sap, and local residents near its natural habitats have traditionally harvested it for consumption. However, only a few studies have investigated the sap of Acer tataricum to date. Previous research has shown that Acer tataricum sap has a higher yield and contains more potassium and sugar than that of Acer pictum var. mono. Recently, Acer tataricum sap was officially recognized as a food ingredient by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, highlighting its potential as a new forestry resource. Despite this potential, afforestation strategies for Acer tataricum remain underdeveloped, making its cultivation challenging. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the optimal planting density to support the growth of Acer tataricum. In 2020, a test site was established in Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, where 2,000 seedlings were planted across a 0.8-hectare area using five different planting methods: fixed spacings of 1.5 m, 2 m, and 4 m; 3-tree cluster planting; and circular radial planting. The largest root collar diameter was observed at the 1.5 m spacing. In the circular radial planting layout—comprising twelve concentric circles of varying diameters—the greatest root collar diameter was recorded among trees planted at 1.2 m ntervals along the 10 m diameter ring. These findings can provide valuable insights for future afforestation efforts involving Acer tataricum.