Analysis and Recommendations for Ginsenoside Content according to Environmental Conditions of WildSimulated Ginseng in Pyeongchang, Korea

Purpose: Korean Wild-simulated Ginseng is designated as a Specially Managed Forest Product by the Korea Forest Service. However, systematic research and standard cultivation guidelines often differ from the actual cultivation practices. Therefore, this study conducted an experimental study to determine the effects of ginsenoside content on the environmental conditions of wild Ginseng cultivation sites in the Pyeongchang region of Korea. Method: Ten 10-year-old Wild-simulated Ginseng samples were collected from each of four Pyeongchang cultivation sites. Six factors were examined to determine the location of Wild-simulated Ginseng: slope, slope direction, elevation, tree type, diameter at breast height, and tree height. Soil physicoch emical properties were analyzed according to topographic conditions, including pH, electrical conductivity, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, exchangeable calcium, exchangeable magnesium, exchangeable sodium, and cation exchange capacity. Results: Soil physicochemical properties of Wild-simulated Ginseng cultivation sites generally showed higher ginsenoside content in broadleaf areas than in coniferous areas. Statistical analysis results showed statistically significant differences between coniferous and broadleaf regions in cultivation sites A, B, and C, while cultivation site D showed little difference between coniferous and broadleaf regions. Ginsenoside content analysis revealed high levels of Re, Rb1, and Rg1, in that order, confirming the main components of Pyeongchang cultivated Ginseng. Conclusion: These research results suggest that selecting cultivation sites similar to the optimal growth environment for Wild-simulated Ginseng is essential for producing high-quality Wild-simulated Ginseng. We hope that the comparative analysis of ginsenoside content across different cultivation sites presented in this study can contribute to the production of high-quality wild Ginseng and increased income for forestry workers.