Analysis of Paddy Soil Chemical Properties and Rice Quality in Central Area (Sejong) in Korea

This study was carried out to review and compare crop cultivations upon chemical properties of paddy soil and qualitative characteristics of rice in Sejong-city from a point of view of farming extension to rice farmers and to utilize the result of the study as a basic guideline for precise agricultural practice. The pH in soils of Sejong was about 6.1-6.6 and had no difference with an average pH of paddy soils in Chung-Nam with pH 6.1. However, the average of organic matter, calcium (Ca) and available silicate in Sejong was lower than the average of them in Chung-Nam. The yields of rice were higher in 2010 than in 2011 and 2012, and the protein contents of rice were the highest in 2011 while the lowest water contents of rice in 2011. The protein contents upon regions were the highest in 2011 with 6.1%, and the amylose contents were the highest in Yeondong-myun, Jeoneu-myun, and Yeonseo-myun in 2010 while Kumnam-myun and Jeondong-myun were the highest in 2012. With the increase of precipitation, the protein content level in rice was increased while the amylose content level tended to decrease. Correlations between the chemical properties of paddy soil and the quality of rice and between level of organic matter in soil and amylose contents were negative (r = -0.507), and the correlation between the moisture contents and amylose contents (r = 0.419) and between the water contents and whiteness (r = 0.485) were positive. Because the quantity and quality of rice yield is determined by the soil characteristics, the consultation to farmers for the proactive soil analysis and for the maintenance of stable level of pH, organic matter and available silicate based on historical results of analysis is highly recommended. Also, the analysis on the effect of the weather and the soil characteristics affecting the quality and quantity of rice would be another good way.