The Effect of the Irrigated Gudeuljang Paddy System on Biodiversity on Cheongsan-do (“island”)

This study has been conducted to identify the characteristics of the biodiversity promoted and maintained by gudeuljang paddy field. For this purpose, a literature review was used to identify the distribution of gudeuljang paddy field on Cheongsan-do. Based on the results of the review, a target area was selected to conduct an investigation of the flora of the vascular plants and a phytosociological examination, which included general farmlands and neighboring areas, was made for comparison. As a result of the study, we were able to identify the differences between the type of gudeuljang paddy field that uses continuous irrigation and other types of land use. We found that the unique physical structure for water passage found in gudeuljang paddy fields with continuous irrigation is more effective in promoting biodiversity than the other types of land use in this area. In conclusion, the presence of gudeuljang paddy fields on Cheongsan-do contributes more to the creation of an appropriate biohabitat than it detracts from such a creation. Also, the presence of gudeuljang paddy fields is significant in that it exercises positive influence on the promotion of biodiversity, such as propagation of species, and the connection of habitats in adjacent forest, village, and farm lands. Our result shows that the maintenance and preservation of gudeuljang paddy fields on Cheongsan-do plays a crucial part in the preservation and maintenance of the biodiversity for vegetation that grows among rocks and in adjacent forest areas.