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2026 Vol.68, Issue 1 Preview Page
Field-based Monitoring of Air Quality Responses Associated with Agricultural Activities during Rice Cultivation

현장기반 모니터링을 통한 벼 재배기간 주요 영농작업별 대기질 변화특성 분석

Jin-A Parka
,
Hyo-Jae Seob
,
Il-Hwan Seoc†
박 진아a
,
서 효재b
,
서 일환c†
aMS Student, Dept. of agricultural engineering, Jeonbuk National University
bPh.D. Student, Dept. of agricultural engineering, Jeonbuk National University
cProfessor, Dept. of agricultural engineering, Jeonbuk National University
†Corresponding author Tel.: +82-63-270-2520, Fax: +82-63-270-2517 E-mail: ihseo@jbnu.ac.kr
2026. pp. 55-64
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Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate short-term impacts of rice-farming operations on air quality. A fixed monitoring station was installed in a rice field in the Nonsan Plain, Korea, measuring PM-10, PM-2.5, NH3, NO2, and SO2 at 5-min intervals. The system was synchronized with 360° CCTV and farm logs, and data were processed through two-stage QA/QC. Event analysis was conducted by comparing pollutant concentrations before, during, and after each operation within ±24 h. During tillage, particle concentrations rose sharply (PM-10: 24 h mean 54.7 ug/m³, during-work 67.1 ug/m³, peak 104.2 ug/m³; PM-2.5: 24 h mean 35.9 ug/m³, during-work 48.5 ug/m³, peak 80.1 ug/m³,), accompanied by high NH3 levels (during-work mean 119.6 ppb, peak 150.7 ppb). Field leveling under flooded conditions did not significantly elevate PM concentration but produced a delayed NH3 peak about 12–15 h later (peak 156.5 ppb), indicating post-flood volatilization. Transplanting generated moderate increases in particles (PM-10 increased from 21.1 to 37.5 ug/m³, and PM-2.5 from 12.5 to 24.6 ug/m³) with minimal gaseous changes. Harvest mainly increased PM concentrations (PM-10 peaked at 57 ug/m³, and PM-2.5 at 30 ug/m³).

These results clarify that tillage and harvest primarily affect air quality through resuspension of particles, while flooded field leveling drives NH3 volatilization. The operation-specific responses provide a scientific basis for scheduling farm activities, implementing NH3 abatement strategies, and reducing exposure risks in rice agroecosystems.

Keywords
Agricultural air quality
ammonia volatilization
event-based monitoring
PM-10
PM-2.5
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Information
  • Publisher :The Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers
  • Publisher(Ko) :한국농공학회
  • Journal Title :Journal of Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers
  • Journal Title(Ko) :한국농공학회논문집
  • Volume : 68
  • No :1
  • Pages :55-64
  • Received Date : 2025-09-29
  • Revised Date : 2025-11-07
  • Accepted Date : 2025-11-10
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.5389/KSAE.2026.68.1.055
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