Horticultural Science and TechnologyISSN:1226-8763(Print) 2465-8588(Online)원예과학기술지

The photosynthesis, productivity, and mineral content of Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris subsp. napus var. pekinensis cv. Detong) grown in different soil types on Jeju Island were investigated to develop soil–crop system management, with the goal of increasing crop productivity and quality. The soils were black volcanic ash soil (BS), very dark-brown volcanic ash soil (VDBS), and dark- brown non-volcanic ash soil (DBS). VDBS had a pH of 5.87, relatively close to the optimal pH range for Chinese cabbage cultivation, and slightly higher than the pH of BS and DBS; it had high contents of organic matter, available P₂O₅, and exchangeable cations (K, Ca, Mg, etc.). Growth of the cabbage head including height, diameter, fresh weight, leaf numbers, and leaf area were greater in Chinese cabbage grown in VDBS compared to BS or DBS. Root biomass was also greater in VDBS, although root length did not differ significantly among soil types. However, the soluble solid content was lower in VDBS than in BS or DBS. The maximum photochemical efficiency (F_v/F_m) of photosystem II was slightly higher in VDBS and DBS, although it had stable values ≥ 0.8 in all three soil types. The SPAD values did not differ significantly and were ≥ 55 in all three soil types. The water-use efficiency (WUE) was slightly higher in VDBS, although the maximum photosynthetic rate (A) and dark respiration (R_d) did not differ among soil types. Of the mineral elements in cabbage head, total nitrogen was lower in VDBS than in BS and DBS. However, all macronutrients, except Mg, and micronutrient Cu were slightly higher in VDBS than in the other soil types. These results suggest that the relatively favorable soil conditions of VDBS (suboptimal pH, high mineral content, etc.) and high water-use efficiency of Chinese cabbage favor head growth and its nutritional value. VDBS was suitable for cultivating Chinese cabbage, considering productivity and product quality, such as its size, weight, and mineral content.