GIES Case Study on Wild and Forest-grown Ginseng in
Temperate Mixed Coniferous and Broad-leaved Forest of Toudao
Town, Helong City
WANG
Hong¹*, JIN Riguo2, HU Wei3, WANG
Hongjie4, WANG Dong5, XU Yuhua6, YIN Huiying6,
CUI Bin7, GUAN Haiyang7, HUANG Yan8, YU
Jiameng9, ZHAGN Zeyang9, ZHU Shengnan10, LI
Hongri11, WANG Tingrui12, CHEN Peng12, WANG
Tingting¹, MA Yingyuan13, CUI He¹, DING Yinglong1
1 Institute of Geographic Sciences and
Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
2 The People's Government of Helong City, Helong 133500, Jilin
Province, China
3 Northeast Institute of Geography and
Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130102, Jilin Province,
China
4 Shenyang Agricultural University,
Shenyang 110866, Liaoning Province, China
5 School of Life Sciences, Henan
University, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan Province, China
6 Helong
Municipal Administration for Market Regulation, Helong
133500, Jilin Province, China
7 Helong
Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Helong
133500, Jilin Province, China
8 People’s Government of Toudao Town, Helong City, Helong 133500, Jilin Province, China
9 Helong
Meteorological Service, Helong 133500, Jilin
Province, China
10 Helong Water
Resources Bureau, Helong 133500, Jilin Province,
China
11 Helong
Municipal Bureau of Natural Resources and Forestry, Helong
133500, Jilin Province, China
12 Yanbian
Dayang Ginseng Industry Co., Ltd., Yanji 133000, Jilin Province, China
13 China University of Geosciences,
Wuhan 430074, Hubei Province, China
Abstract：Helong City, located in the
southeastern part of Jilin Province within the southern region of the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, lies on the eastern
foothills of the Changbai Mountain. During the Qing
Dynasty, Ying’e Ridge of the Changbai
Mountains was a major royal tribute area for wild ginseng, and the case area, Toudao Town in Helong City, was
one of the core regions of its production. From 1962 to 2024, Helong recorded an average annual temperature of 5.36 °C,
an average annual sunshine duration of 2,321.89 hours, and an average annual
precipitation of 549.68 mm. The soil in the case area is classified as acidic
dark brown forest soil (pH 4.55–6.10), with no soil environmental pollution. Forest-grown
ginseng growth relies on natural precipitation, and local water quality
surpasses the national irrigation water standard (GB 5084—2021). This study focuses on wild ginseng, strictly defined as
ginseng sown and naturally grown in deep mountain forests for more than 15 years
(GB/T 18765—2015). The deep coupling of this unique geographical background and
plant growth facilitates a significant accumulation of active compounds. The
content of total ginsenosides (5.34%), ginsenoside Rb1 (1.16%), and
Re+Rg1 (1.77%) in wild ginseng all surpass the minimum
thresholds set by national standards (4.40%, 0.60%, 0.40% respectively, under
GB/T 18765—2015 and GB/T 19506—2009). Other physicochemical and hygiene
indicators also comply with national standards. Capitalizing on its
geographical and environmental advantages, Helong
City has developed a sustainable model of “forest cultivation with ginseng”
centered around the study area. In 2021, its “Jilin Helong
Forest-Grown Ginseng and Ganoderma Cultivation System” was recognized as part
of the sixth batch of China’s Important Agricultural Heritage Systems. The case
dataset encompasses geographic scope, ecological environment, varietal
characteristics, and socio-economic data, consisting of .shp,
.tif, .xlsx, .jpg, .docx, and .pdf formats, with a
total size of 178 MB (compressed into a 61.6 MB file).
Keywords: Changbai Mountain, Helong, Ginseng, Wild ginseng, GIES, Case 33
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3974/geodp.2026.03.05
CSTR:
https://cstr.escience.org.cn/CSTR:20146.14.2026.03.05
1 Introduction
Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Mey.) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Araliaceae. Owing to its root’s resemblance to the human body and its exceptional medicinal properties, it has been revered since ancient times as the “divine herb” [1]. The medicinal use of ginseng can be traced back to the Shang Dynasty, where the pictograph for “shen” appeared on bronze vessels. The earliest extant Chinese pharmacopoeia, Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica, categorized ginseng as a “superior grade” herb, noting that it “nourishes the five viscera, calms the spirit, stabilizes the soul, relieves palpitations, expels pathogenic qi, brightens the eyes, benefits the mind, and prolongs life with long-term use.” The “Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China 2020” [2] also specifies that ginseng replenishes vital energy, restores pulse, strengthens the spleen and lungs, generates fluids, nourishes blood, and calms the mind. Its primary active ingredients are saponins (ginsenosides), which have been demonstrated to exert pharmacological effects such as anti-fatigue, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities [3–12].
However, ginseng has stringent habitat
requirements, weak natural reproductive capacity, and a long growth cycle,
making wild resources extremely scarce [13]. Historical
over-harvesting and the impacts of climate change have further exacerbated its
decline, leading to the near disappearance of wild ginseng in original habitats
such as the Tai hang Mountains [14,
15]. Today, global production areas have gradually shifted northward to
the Changbai Mountains, giving rise to the saying:
“For ginseng in the world, look to China; for ginseng in China, look to Jilin” [16].
At present, pure wild ginseng [17] (original ecological ginseng
naturally disseminated and grown in deep mountain forests) in the Changbai region has become exceedingly rare and has been
classified as Critically Endangered (CR) in the “China Biodiversity Red List:
Higher Plants”. Consequently, ginseng available on the market largely depends
on artificial cultivation. Among cultivated forms, forest-grown mountain
ginseng [2] (commonly referred to as forest-grown ginseng) has
garnered significant attention due to itspotential
quality advantages. It specifically refers to ginseng that is artificially sown
and subsequently grows naturally in a wild mountain forest environment. Its
growth cycle is protracted, typically taking about 15 years to progress from
the one-year-old “three-leaflet” stage to the typical “four-compound-leaf” morphology.Wild ginseng is defined
by the national standard “Identification and Grade Quality of Wild Ginseng”
(GB/T 18765—2015) [17] as “ginseng sown and naturally grown in deep
mountain forests for more than 15 years.” Comparative genetic studies of garden
ginseng, transplanted mountain ginseng, wild ginseng, and naturally wild
ginseng suggest no significant differences at the genetic level; however,
morphological traits and phytochemical composition of wild ginseng are strongly
associated with age and environmental conditions [17, 18]. Because
its growth is entirely dependent on natural ecosystems, wild ginseng
accumulates abundant bioactive constituents and possesses distinct medicinal
value. Research has shown that ginsenoside content increases with plant age and
stabilizes after approximately 15 years [19–22].
Helong City, located on the eastern slopes of the Changbai Mountain, is characterized by high forest cover, fertile soils, and balanced hydrothermal conditions, providing an optimal natural habitat for ginseng. The Dayang Gorge of Toudao Town in Helong has served as a royal tribute ginseng production site since the Qing Dynasty, reflecting its deep cultural heritage. Building on over 1,300 years of ginseng collection and nurturing traditions, Helong has in recent years actively promoted a sustainable development model of “forest cultivation with ginseng.” Through under-forest ginseng cultivation systems, the region has achieved both ecological conservation and resource utilization, enhancing ginseng production while serving as a model for biodiversity conservation. Against this backdrop, the present study takes the under-forest ginseng cultivation area in Toudao Town, Helong City as a case study. By integrating scientific data, it systematically elucidates the distinctive quality attributes and ecological value of ginseng from the Changbai Mountain–Helong region, aiming to provide a scientific basis for ecological resource conservation and sustainable utilization in temperate mountainous ecosystems.
2 Metadata of the Dataset
Information on the dataset titled “GIES Case Dataset on Helong Toudao Wild Ginseng — Forest-grown Ginseng in Temperate Mixed Coniferous and Broad-leaved Forest”, including its name, authors, geographic coverage, temporal range, dataset composition, data publication and sharing platforms, as well as data sharing policies, is summarized in Table 1.
Table 1. Metadata summary of the GIES Case Dataset on Helong Toudao Wild and
Forest-grown Ginseng Temperate Mixed Coniferous and Broad-leaved Forest
|
Item |
Description |
|
Dataset full name |
GIES Case Dataset on Helong Toudao
Wild and Forest-grown Ginseng Temperate Mixed Coniferous and Broad-leaved
Forest |
|
Dataset short name |
HelongGinsengCase |
|
Authors |
Wang, H., Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources
Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, wanghong@igsnrr.ac.cn
Jin, R., The People's Government of Helong City, hlgsbgs@163.com Hu,W., Northeast Institute of Geography and
Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, huwei@iga.ac.cn
Wang H. J., Shenyang Agricultural University, 2017500069@syau.edu.cn Wang, D., School
of Life Sciences, Henan University, wangdong19882005@163.com
Xu, Y. H., Helong Municipal Administration for
Market Regulation, 272837522@qq.com Yin,
H. Y., Helong Municipal Administration for Market
Regulation, 272837522@qq.com Cui, B., Helong Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs,
hltcz@163.com Guan, H. Y., Helong Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs,
hltcz@163.com Huang, Y., People’s
Government of Toudao Town, Helong
City, tdzdw@163.com Yu, J. M., Helong Meteorological Service, Jilin Province, helongqixiang@163.com
Zhang, Z. Y., Helong Meteorological Service, Jilin Province, helongqixiang@163.com Zhu, S. N., Helong Water Resources Bureau, zhusn1984@163.com Li, H. R., Helong Municipal Bureau of Natural Resources and Forestry,
577538320@qq.com Wang, T. R., Yanbian Dayang Ginseng Industry Co., Ltd., dayangshenye@163.com Chen, P., Yanbian Dayang Ginseng Industry Co., Ltd., 1298787251@qq.com Wang, T. T., Institute
of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of
Sciences, wangtt@igsnrr.ac.cn Ma, Y.
Y., China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, MYY616@outlook.com Cui, H., Institute of
Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of
Sciences, cuihe295@gmail.com Ding, Y.
L., Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, 526434774@qq.com |
|
|
|
|
Geographical region |
Toudao Town, Helong City, 128°46′53″E-129°10′38″E, 42°34′57″N-42°57′15″N |
|
Year |
2025 |
|
Data Formats |
xlsx、.shp、.tif、.jpg、.docx、.pdf |
|
Data size |
178 MB |
|
Data files |
The dataset includes: (1) geographical extent of the study area; (2)
ecological environment data; (3) product characteristics data; (4) management
and operational data. |
|
Foundation |
Service Construction Projects in the Market Regulation Sector of Jilin
Provincial Administration for Market Regulation (2025) |
|
Data publisher |
Global Change Research Data Publishing & Repository,
http://www.geodoi.ac.cn |
|
Address |
Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese
Academy of Sciences, Datun Road A11, Chaoyang
District, Beijing 100101, China |
|
Data Sharing Policy |
Data
published via the Global Change Science Research Data Publishing System
includes metadata (in Chinese and English), entity data published in the Electronic
Journal of Global Change Data Repository (Chinese and English), and data
papers published in the Journal of Global Change Data (Chinese and
English). Sharing policies: (1) Data are freely accessible via the internet
for browsing and download; (2) Users must cite the dataset according to the
prescribed reference format; (3) For value-added services or redistribution
(including via servers), users must obtain written permission from the
journal editorial office; (4) When creating new datasets using partial
records from this dataset, the “10% citation rule” applies—i.e., less than
10% of records from the new dataset may be derived from this dataset, and the
source must be acknowledged [23]. |
|
Communication and searchable system |
DOI, CSTR, Crossref, DCI, CSCD, CNKI, SciEngine, WDS, GEOSS, PubScholar,
CKRSC |
3 Case Study Data Development
The case study dataset is composed of four subsets: (1) geographical extent of the study area, (2) ecological environment data, (3) product characteristics data, and (4) management and operational data.
3.1 Study Area
Helong City is situated in the southeastern part of Jilin Province, in the southern region of the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, on the eastern foothills of the Changbai Mountain, with geographic coordinates ranging from 128°22′42″E to 129°24′17″E and 41°59′44″N to 42°57′15″N (Figure 1). Toudao Town, located 28 km northeast of Helong City, covers an administrative area of 514.3 km² [25], with coordinates from 128°46′53″E to 129°10′38″E and 42°34′57″N to 42°57′15″N (Figure 1a). The case study area lies within the 42°N “golden latitude” zone, characterized by a temperate monsoon climate with abundant sunlight, large diurnal temperature variation, and coinciding rainfall and heat, which are conducive to photosynthesis and dry matter accumulation in crops, thereby enhancing agricultural product quality. This region is internationally recognized as the “golden maize belt” and “golden rice belt.” According to the 2024 survey on under-forest ginseng cultivation in Helong City, plantations are primarily concentrated in the Changren Forest Farm and Yadong Reservoir areas of Toudao Town (Figure 1b), an estimated total yield of about 7,800 kg across different ginseng ages. The core production area is located in Dayang Gorge, accounting for over 60% of the total planting area and more than 75% of the total yield (Figure 1a).
Figure 1
Geographic location of the case study area.
3.2 Ecological and
Environmental Data
3.2.1
Topography and
Landforms
The physiological traits of ginseng—preferring shade and being sensitive to both waterlogging and drought—require its growing environment to provide shading, good drainage, and sufficient moisture. Helong City is located on the eastern foothills of the Changbai Mountains, surrounded by mountain ranges with prominent peaks and rugged terrain. The three major mountain chains—Zengfeng Ridge, Nangang Mountain, and Ying’e Ridge—extend across the western, southeastern, and northern parts of the region, respectively, forming a topographic gradient that descends from southwest to northeast (Figure 2a). The highest point, Zengfeng Mountain, reaches 1,676.6 m above sea level in the southwest of Qingshan Village, Longcheng Town, while the lowest point, at 250 m, is located in Piyan Village, Dongcheng Town, within the Pinggang Plain[25]. The geomorphology is diverse, comprising fluvial and volcanic-karst landforms, and includes mountains, hills, terraces, valley plains, and river valleys, representing multiple hierarchical units[25, 26]. Based on terrain data from the ALOS (Advanced Land Observing Satellite), Toudao Town, in particular, is predominantly mountainous with limited flat areas, with elevations ranging from 272.3 m to 1,192.8 m (Figure 2b) and an average slope of 11.48° (Figure 2d). This undulating mountainous terrain, together with suitable slopes, effectively prevents soil waterlogging; combined with dense forest canopy cover and a thick humus layer, it provides forest-grown ginseng with a natural microclimatic environment characterized by good drainage, aeration, and moisture retention.
Figure 2 Elevatioand slope distribution of Helong
City and Toudao Town
3.2.2 Climatic Conditions
The spatial variation and seasonal distribution of climatic factors significantly influence the ecological suitability and distribution patterns of ginseng [27–29]. Helong City is located in a mid-temperate monsoon climate zone. Observations from the Helong Meteorological Station from 1962 to 2024 indicate a long-term mean annual precipitation of 549.68 mm. Although a slight increasing trend of approximately 8.50 mm per decade has been observed, this trend is not statistically significant (p > 0.05), indicating a relatively stable annual precipitation pattern (Figure 3a). Precipitation is notably concentrated during the growing season, with 62.74% of annual rainfall occurring from June to August (Figure 4a). This period coincides with critical stages of ginseng root expansion and ginsenoside biosynthesis, ensuring sufficient water availability during these key growth phases.
Temperature is a crucial environmental factor influencing ginseng growth, dormancy, and the accumulation of bioactive compounds [27, 30, 31]. Over the past 63 years, the average annual temperature has been 5.36 °C, showing a significant increasing trend (p < 0.01) at a rate of 0.26 °C per decade (Figure 3b). Winters are cold, with an average January temperature of −12.80°C, providing the necessary chilling conditions for dormancy and winter survival. Summers are warm but moderate, with average temperatures of 20.86 °C in July and 20.31 °C in August, aligning with ginseng’s preference for avoiding excessive heat (Figure 4). Other climatic characteristics include an average annual sunshine duration of 2,321.89 hours, a mean relative humidity of 62.27%, an average wind speed of 2.16 m/s, and pan evaporation (D20 type) of 1,316.45 mm [32] (Figure 3c–f). Overall, Helong exhibits a climate pattern of synchronized rainfall and heat in the summer, cool summer temperatures, and severe winter cold, providing favorable conditions for the growth and development of ginseng.
Figure 3 Statistical
analysis chart of interannual variations of meteorological elements in Helong from 1962 to 2024
3.2.3 Soil Conditions
The soil types in Toudao Town mainly include dark-brown forest soil, white-gray forest soil, meadow soil, and alluvial paddy soil. Among these, dark-brown forest soil is the most common in the under-forest ginseng cultivation areas in this case, followed by white-gray forest soil. Previous studies indicate that the average length of wild ginseng main roots is typically less than 10 cm [33], while the root zone can extend several to more than ten centimeters [34]. Research on soil nutrients, fertility, and root exudates in under-forest ginseng areas generally sampled soil to depths not exceeding 20 cm [34–36]. In accordance with the “Technical regulations of Panax ginseng cultivated under forest production” [37] and national and local standards such as the “Technical Procedures for the Third National Soil Census” [38] and the “Specification of land quality geochemical assessment” [39], soil sampling in forested areas is recommended at 0–20 cm. In this study, a stratified auger sampling method was employed in the under-forest ginseng cultivation area, with samples collected from two depth layers (0–20 cm and 20–40 cm). Twelve sampling points were established (Figure 5), resulting in a total of 24 soil samples to systematically assess the soil environmental quality of the under-forest ginseng habitat.
Figure 5 Spatial
distribution of soil sampling points in the case study area
According to the “Operation rules of comprehensive protection and cultivation of wild ginseng” (GB/T 22531—2015) [18], soils in ginseng cultivation areas should comply with the “Soil environmental quality- Risk control standard for soil contamination of agricultural land (Trial)” (GB 15618—2018) [40]. According to this standard, mandatory monitored elements for screening soil pollution risks in agricultural land include cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and arsenic (As). Analysis of the soil samples revealed that all measured pollution indicators were below the screening limits for agricultural land (Table 2), indicating that the soils in the case study area are clean and safe, and can meet the basic requirement of a pollution-free habitat for ginseng cultivation.
Table 2 Testing
results of soil pollutant concentrations in the case study area
|
Sampling point |
Soil layer depth（cm） |
Monitored pollutants（mg/kg） |
|||||||
|
Cd |
Cr |
Hg |
Ni |
Pb |
Cu |
Zn |
As |
||
|
Risk screening value |
≤
0.3 |
≤
150 |
≤
1.3 |
≤
60 |
≤
70 |
≤
50 |
≤
200 |
≤
40 |
|
|
S-1 |
0 - 20 |
0.06 |
52.00 |
0.07 |
16.00 |
34.10 |
17.00 |
99.00 |
6.32 |
|
20 - 40 |
0.04 |
59.00 |
0.04 |
19.00 |
33.90 |
14.00 |
86.00 |
6.04 |
|
|
S-2 |
0 - 20 |
0.09 |
56.00 |
0.04 |
20.00 |
30.60 |
15.00 |
106.00 |
5.86 |
|
20 - 40 |
0.06 |
57.00 |
0.04 |
19.00 |
30.20 |
15.00 |
95.00 |
5.43 |
|
|
S-3 |
0 - 20 |
0.25 |
48.00 |
0.09 |
20.00 |
35.50 |
19.00 |
136.00 |
5.35 |
|
20 - 40 |
0.12 |
56.00 |
0.04 |
22.00 |
32.60 |
16.00 |
137.00 |
5.33 |
|
|
S-4 |
0 - 20 |
0.20 |
38.00 |
0.09 |
20.00 |
35.80 |
18.00 |
112.00 |
5.34 |
|
20 - 40 |
0.11 |
53.00 |
0.06 |
29.00 |
33.80 |
24.00 |
121.00 |
6.82 |
|
|
S-5 |
0 - 20 |
0.16 |
36.00 |
0.08 |
17.00 |
38.30 |
17.00 |
100.00 |
4.95 |
|
20 - 40 |
0.14 |
57.00 |
0.05 |
20.00 |
33.60 |
20.00 |
106.00 |
4.66 |
|
|
S-6 |
0 - 20 |
0.08 |
54.00 |
0.11 |
17.00 |
34.90 |
11.00 |
92.00 |
8.34 |
|
20 - 40 |
0.05 |
65.00 |
0.06 |
16.00 |
37.20 |
12.00 |
100.00 |
9.09 |
|
|
S-7 |
0 - 20 |
0.05 |
41.00 |
0.04 |
14.00 |
27.80 |
9.00 |
92.00 |
4.11 |
|
20 - 40 |
0.04 |
45.00 |
0.04 |
13.00 |
30.40 |
8.00 |
93.00 |
3.67 |
|
|
S-8 |
0 - 20 |
0.07 |
53.00 |
0.07 |
16.00 |
37.20 |
17.00 |
119.00 |
8.47 |
|
20 - 40 |
0.06 |
61.00 |
0.06 |
18.00 |
33.70 |
16.00 |
112.00 |
7.17 |
|
|
S-9 |
0 - 20 |
0.08 |
25.00 |
0.07 |
10.00 |
30.30 |
10.00 |
73.00 |
4.11 |
|
20 - 40 |
0.02 |
49.00 |
0.03 |
12.00 |
24.70 |
6.00 |
54.00 |
3.48 |
|
|
S-10 |
0 - 20 |
0.07 |
57.00 |
0.06 |
19.00 |
26.60 |
13.00 |
95.00 |
7.56 |
|
20 - 40 |
0.05 |
68.00 |
0.05 |
20.00 |
29.90 |
15.00 |
106.00 |
9.13 |
|
|
S-11 |
0 - 20 |
0.10 |
31.00 |
0.07 |
10.00 |
30.90 |
10.00 |
76.00 |
3.65 |
|
20 - 40 |
0.08 |
32.00 |
0.06 |
10.00 |
29.50 |
10.00 |
83.00 |
3.94 |
|
|
S-12 |
0 - 20 |
0.06 |
66.00 |
0.07 |
25.00 |
27.40 |
19.00 |
115.00 |
7.17 |
|
20 - 40 |
0.05 |
70.00 |
0.07 |
22.00 |
28.50 |
19.00 |
106.00 |
7.42 |
|
3.2.4 Water Quality Conditions
According to the “Operation rules of comprehensive protection and cultivation of wild ginseng” (GB/T 22531—2015) [18], the water quality in wild ginseng growth areas should meet the relevant requirements for agricultural irrigation water. In this study, surface water (ponds) and groundwater (springs) in the under-forest ginseng cultivation area were systematically monitored (Figure 7) in accordance with the “Standard for irrigation water quality” (GB 5084—2021) [41]. The monitored parameters included physicochemical properties (pH, suspended solids, five-day biochemical oxygen demand BOD₅, chemical oxygen demand CODCr), common inorganic pollutants (anionic surfactants, chloride, sulfide, total dissolved solids), and heavy metal risk factors (total lead, total cadmium, hexavalent chromium, total mercury, total arsenic), providing a comprehensive assessment of water quality.
The results indicated that all measured indicators in both surface water and groundwater were within the standard limits (Table 3). The pH ranged from 6.9 to 7.0, and suspended solids, BOD₅, and CODCr₎ were well below the allowable thresholds. Chloride and total dissolved solids were at low levels, while sulfide and anionic surfactants were undetected. Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Hg, and As) were also not detected, indicating no significant industrial or agricultural non-point source pollution. Overall, the surface and groundwater in the case study area are of high quality, meeting and exceeding the requirements of GB 5084—2021 [41], providing a favorable water environment for wild ginseng growth.
Figure 7 Location of
groundwater (W-1) and surface water (W-2) sampling points in the case study
area
Table 3 Main
test results of irrigation water quality in the case study area
|
Monitored pollutants |
units |
National standard limit |
Surface water |
Groundwater |
|
pH |
— |
5.5～8.5 |
7.0 |
6.9 |
|
Suspended solids |
mg/L |
≤ 100 |
11 |
15 |
|
Five-day biochemical
oxygen demand (BOD₅) |
mg/L |
≤ 100 |
10.8 |
11.5 |
|
Chemical oxygen
demand (CODcr) |
mg/L |
≤ 200 |
27 |
29 |
|
Anionic surfactants |
mg/L |
≤ 8 |
Not detected |
Not detected |
|
Chloride (Cl⁻) |
mg/L |
≤ 350 |
26.30 |
29.2 |
|
Sulfide (S²⁻) |
mg/L |
≤ 1 |
Not detected |
Not detected |
|
Total dissolved
solids |
mg/L |
≤ 1000 |
278 |
315 |
|
Total lead |
mg/L |
≤ 0.2 |
Not detected |
Not detected |
|
Total cadmium |
mg/L |
≤ 0.01 |
Not detected |
Not detected |
|
Hexavalent chromium
(Cr⁶⁺) |
mg/L |
≤ 0.1 |
Not detected |
Not detected |
|
Total mercury |
mg/L |
≤ 0.001 |
Not detected |
Not detected |
|
Total arsenic |
mg/L |
≤ 0.1 |
Not detected |
Not detected |
3.2.5 Land Use and
Vegetation Conditions
Ginseng is a semi-shade plant that is sensitive to direct sunlight [13, 27]. Broadleaf forested areas, due to better canopy shading, provide more favorable conditions for ginseng growth than coniferous forests[42]. Analysis for the 10-m resolution Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 satellite imagery of Helong City indicates that the main land use types in the region include forest, shrubland, farmland, grassland, wetland, water bodies, and construction land (Figure 8a). In Toudao Town, the main land use type is forest, plus, the specific proportions are as follows: forest 59.93%, shrubland 13.00%, farmland 23.18%, grassland 1.23%, wetland 0.33%, construction land 2.05%, and water bodies 0.28% (Fig 8b).Results derived from Sentinel-2 indicate that the average Normalized Difference Vegetation Index in the study area is 0.31(Figure 8d). According to the 2024 survey of understory ginseng plantations in Helong City, the canopy closure in ginseng distribution plots is mostly between 0.6 and 0.8, thus meeting its requirement for low-light (shade) habitat conditions. The main tree species include oak, linden, birch, elm, maple, poplar, walnut, and other broadleaf species, as well as associated coniferous species such as larch and spruce, with detailed proportions shown in Figure 9. The surrounding vegetation of ginseng can be classified into three layers: tree, shrub, and herbaceous, which contribute to climate regulation and ecological adaptation. Studies indicate that in the sampled plots, the average heights are 15.62 m for the tree layer, 5.46 m for the sub-tree layer, 1.25 m for the shrub layer, and 0.62 m for the herb layer [43], meeting the natural barrier requirements specified in the “Operation rules of comprehensive protection and cultivation of wild ginseng” (GB/T 22531—2015) [18]. In addition, the area is rich in plant diversity, containing 194 taxa in total, including 178 species from 58 families and 131 genera, 6 subspecies, 9 varieties, and 1 form [43].
Figure 8 Land use types
and NDVI analysis map in Helong City and Toudao Town
Figure 9 Statistical
chart of the major tree species and their composition ratios in each sub-compartment of forest land planted with ginseng
3.3 Product Characteristic Data
According to the “Jilin Ginseng Industry Regulations” [44], ginseng-related producers and operators are required to conduct quality and safety testing of their products (Article 31); products sold under the name “wild ginseng” must comply with the standards specified in “Identification and Grade Quality Standards of Wild Ginseng” (GB/T 18765—2015) (Article 34) [17]. In this study, following this standard, samples of dried wild ginseng were collected from the understory ginseng plantations in Dayang Gorge, Toudao Town, Helong City. The samples were systematically analyzed for the main physicochemical indicators (total saponins, ginsenoside Rb1, Re+Rg₁, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, moisture) and safety indicators (residues of organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides, and harmful elements). All analyses were conducted by the National Ginseng Products Quality Inspection Testing Center, aiming to comprehensively evaluate the quality traits, medicinal value, and consumption safety of wild ginseng in the study area through quantitative data.
3.3.1
Sensory Quality
The wild ginseng produced in the study area exhibits all five shapes — rhizome (lu), adventitious roots (deng), grains (wen), body (ti), and fibrous roots (xu) — showcasing displaying diverse shapes and remarkable vitality. The grains are deeply textured and the bark is mature, while the nodes in the shape of bowls are uniform and densely packed. For wild ginseng aged over 20 years, the rate of high-grade classification (special grade, first grade, and second grade) can reach approximately 50%.
3.3.2 Physicochemical Quality
The test results (Table 4) show that the total ginsenoside content of the dried wild ginseng samples in this study is 5.34. Specifically, the ginsenoside Rb1 content was 1.16%, while the combined Re+Rg1 content was 1.77%, all exceed the requirements specified in the national standard “Identification and Grade Quality Standards of Wild Ginseng” (GB/T 18765—2015)[17].. Meanwhile, according to the “Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China 2020” [2], the Rb1 content in ginseng medicinal material must not be below 0.18%, and the combined Re+Rg1 content must not be below 0.27% (Table 5). The values measured in this study are well above these thresholds, confirming that the samples meet the required medicinal quality standards. Further comparison with ten national standards, including the “Product of Geographical Indication-Jilin Changbaishan Ginseng” (GB/T 19506—2009) [45], and twelve group standards such as “Wild Ginseng” (T/THRS 11—2021) [46], shows that the key ginsenoside contents of these samples are at superior levels (Table 5), indicating high accumulation of active compounds and excellent overall quality.
The total ash content of the samples was 4.16%, and acid-insoluble ash was 0.02%, both below the national limits, indicating low inorganic impurities and high purity. The moisture content was 10.6%. Since the “Identification and Grading Quality of Wild Ginseng” (GB/T 18765—2015) [17] only specifies physicochemical indicators for wild ginseng powder and slices, without addressing dried wild ginseng, and considering the variation in moisture content, reference was made to the standards for dried wild ginseng in the “Product of Geographical Indication-Jilin Changbaishan Ginseng” [45], “Grade quality of dried ginsen” [47], and “Grade quality of red ginseng” [48] (all requiring moisture content ≤12.00%). Based on these criteria, the samples can also be considered compliant. This indicates that the processing and storage conditions were properly controlled, ensuring stable quality and enhancing suitability for long-term preservation and further medicinal processing.
Table 4 Summary table of major physicochemical properties of dried
wild ginseng unit: %
|
Test Items |
National Standard Limits |
Test Results |
Testing Methods |
|
Total Ginsenosides in Ginseng |
≥ 4.40 |
5.34 |
GB/T
18765-2015[17] |
|
Ginsenoside Rb₁ |
≥ 0.40 |
1.77 |
GB/T
18765-2015[17] |
|
Ginsenosides Re + Rg₁ |
≥ 0.60 |
1.16 |
GB/T
18765-2015[17] |
|
Total Ash |
≤ 5.00 |
4.16 |
GB/T
18765-2015 5.4.2[17] |
|
Acid-Insoluble Ash |
≤ 1.00 |
0.02 |
GB/T
18765-2015 5.4.2[17] |
|
Moisture Content |
≤ 12.00 |
10.6 |
GB
5009.3-2016 Method I [49] |
Table 5 Comparison of ginsenoside content across different technical
standards（≥）
unit: %
|
Technical
Standards |
Items |
Ginsenoside
Rb₁ |
Ginsenosides
(Re+Rg1) |
Total
Ginsenosides |
|
|
National Standard |
Product of Geographical Indication- Jilin Changbaishan
Ginseng [45] |
Dried Wild Ginseng |
0.60 |
0.40 |
4.40 |
|
Identification and grade quality of transplanted ginseng [50] |
Dried Transplanted Ginseng |
0.30 |
0.40 |
3.50 |
|
|
Grade quality of cultivated ginseng [51] |
Cultivated Ginseng |
0.20 |
0.30 |
2.50 |
|
|
Grade quality of red ginseng [48] |
Red Ginseng |
0.20 |
0.25 |
2.00 |
|
|
Grade quality of dried ginseng [47] |
Dried Ginseng |
0.20 |
0.30 |
2.50 |
|
|
Grade quality of boiled ginseng [52] |
Boiled Ginseng |
0.20 |
0.25 |
2.00 |
|
|
Grade quality of lyophilized ginseng [53] |
Lyophilized Ginseng |
0.20 |
0.25 |
2.00 |
|
|
Grade quality of fresh-keeping ginseng [54] |
Fresh-keeping Ginseng |
0.20 |
0.25 |
2.50 |
|
|
Grade quality of sugar ginseng [55] |
Sugar Ginseng |
0.10 |
0.15 |
0.50 |
|
|
Grade quality of honeyed ginseng [56] |
Honeyed Ginseng |
— |
— |
0.80 |
|
|
Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of
China |
Ginseng slices |
0.18 |
0.27 |
— |
|
|
Group Standard |
Wild ginseng [46] |
Wild ginseng root and rhizome/ ginseng powder |
0.40 |
0.60 |
4.40 |
|
Wild ginseng slices |
0.28 |
0.42 |
3.08 |
||
|
Transplanted ginseng [57] |
Transplanted ginseng root and rhizome/ ginseng powder |
0.30 |
0.40 |
3.50 |
|
|
Transplanted ginseng slices |
0.21 |
0.28 |
2.45 |
||
|
Cultivated ginseng [58] |
Cultivated Ginseng |
0.20 |
0.30 |
2.50 |
|
|
Red ginseng [59] |
Red Ginseng root and rhizome/ ginseng powder |
0.20 |
0.25 |
2.50 |
|
|
Red Ginseng slices |
0.14 |
0.18 |
1.80 |
||
|
Dried ginseng [60] |
Dried Ginseng root and rhizome/ ginseng powder |
0.20 |
0.30 |
2.50 |
|
|
Dried Ginseng slices |
0.14 |
0.21 |
1.8 |
||
|
Boiled ginseng [61] |
Boiled Ginseng |
0.20 |
0.25 |
2.00 |
|
|
Lyophilized ginseng [62] |
Lyophilized Ginseng |
0.20 |
0.25 |
2.00 |
|
|
Fresh-keeping ginseng [63] |
Fresh-keeping Ginseng |
0.20 |
0.25 |
2.50 |
|
|
Sugar ginseng [64] |
Sugar Ginseng |
0.10 |
0.15 |
0.50 |
|
|
Honeyed ginseng [65] |
Honeyed Ginseng |
— |
— |
0.80 |
|
|
Geographical indication product-Kuandian
mountain ginseng [66] |
product-Kuandian
Mountain Ginseng |
0.40 |
0.60 |
4.40 |
|
|
Edible Ginseng Powder [67] |
Dried Ginseng Powder |
— |
— |
2.00 |
|
|
Red Ginseng Powder |
— |
— |
1.60 |
||
|
|
This study |
Dried Wild Ginseng |
1.77 |
1.16 |
5.34 |
3.3.3 Hygienic and
Safety Quality
The hygienic indicators included residues of organochlorine pesticides (HCH, DDT, pentachloronitrobenzene, heptachlor, aldrin + dieldrin, and cypermethrin), organophosphorus pesticides (malathion, parathion, Monocrotophos, dimethoate, methamidophos, carbofuran, and chlorpyrifos), and toxic elements (Pb, Cd, As, Hg, and Cu). The test results showed that residues of both organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides were not detected. Levels of Pb, Cd, As, and Cu were far below national limits, and Hg was undetectable. These results indicate that the wild ginseng was not subjected to pesticide or heavy metal contamination during its growth, demonstrating the characteristics of a green and naturally derived medicinal material, and confirming its safety and reliability.
Table 6 Results of hygiene indicator analysis for dried wild ginseng
unit: mg/kg
|
Test Items |
National Standard Limit |
Test Result |
Test Method |
|
Lindane (γ-HCH) |
≤ 0.10 |
Not detected |
GB/T
5009.19-2008 Method I [68] |
|
DDT |
≤ 0.10 |
Not detected |
GB/T
5009.19-2008 Method I [68] |
|
Pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) |
≤ 0.10 |
Not detected |
GB/T
5009.136-2003[69] |
|
Heptachlor |
≤ 0.02 |
Not detected |
GB/T
5009.36-2003[70] |
|
Aldrin + Dieldrin |
≤ 0.02 |
Not detected |
GB/T
5009.36-2003[70] |
|
Cypermethrin |
≤ 0.20 |
Not detected |
GB/T
5009.110-2003[71] |
|
Malathion |
≤ 0.50 |
Not detected |
GB/T
5009.20-2003[72] |
|
Parathion |
≤ 0.05 |
Not detected |
GB/T
5009.20-2003[72] |
|
Monocrotophos |
≤ 0.02 |
Not detected |
GB/T
5009.20-2003[72] |
|
Dimethoate |
≤ 0.05 |
Not detected |
GB/T
5009.20-2003[72] |
|
Methamidophos |
≤ 0.05 |
Not detected |
GB/T
5009.103-2003[73] |
|
Carbofuran |
≤ 0.10 |
Not detected |
GB
23200.113-2018[74] |
|
Chlorpyrifos |
≤ 0.50 |
Not detected |
GB/T
5009.145-2003[75] |
|
Lead (Pb) |
≤ 0.50 |
0.19 |
GB
5009.12-2023 Method II [76] |
|
Cadmium (Cd) |
≤ 0.50 |
0.086 |
GB
5009.15-2023 Method II [77] |
|
Arsenic (As) |
≤ 2.00 |
0.026 |
GB
5009.11-2024 Part I, Method I [78] |
|
Mercury (Hg) |
≤ 0.10 |
Not detected |
GB
5009.17-2021 Part I, Method I [79] |
|
Copper (Cu) |
≤ 20.0 |
5.70 |
GB
5009.13-2017 Method III [80] |
4 Industrial Development and
Sustainable Management Mechanisms
4.1 Government Guidance and
Policy Support
Jilin Province, as one of China’s primary ginseng-producing regions, has consistently emphasized the protection of ginseng resources and the development of the industry under national strategic guidance and local policy support. Over time, this has led to the establishment of a relatively comprehensive institutional framework. In 2022, six national ministries jointly issued the “Opinions on Supporting the High-Quality Development of Jilin’s Ginseng Industry” (Lin Han Zi [2022] No. 80), providing clear directions and policy support for cultivation model improvement, germplasm conservation, and industrial structure optimization. On the provincial level, Jilin introduced the “Jilin Ginseng Administration Measures” in 2010, which was later upgraded in 2015 to the “Regulations on the Ginseng Industry of Jilin Province”, and followed by a series of normative documents including the 13th and 14th Five-Year Plans and various implementation opinions issued between 2016 and 2024, all aimed at strengthening resource protection, industrial regulation, and brand building. Under this provincial guidance, Helong City leveraged local resources and industry characteristics, and issued the “Management Measures for the Protection of Wild Ginseng Cultivation Systems” in 2019, incorporating wild ginseng cultivation into a legalized and institutionalized framework. Through the establishment of protective mechanisms, policy support, and standardized management, these measures lay a solid foundation for the scientific conservation and sustainable use of wild ginseng.
4.2 Leading Enterprises and
Industrial Coordination
Yanbian Dayang Ginseng Industry Co., Ltd. originated from a state-owned ginseng farm established in the late 1950s and was restructured into a corporate entity in 1997. It is the earliest enterprise in Yanbian Prefecture engaged in under-forest medicinal herb production, pioneering large-scale cultivation of ginseng under natural forest conditions. As a leading enterprise in Helong City, the company leverages the superior ecological environment of Dayang Gorge, Toudao Town, and has gradually developed an industrial system centered on under-forest ginseng. The under-forest ginseng stock totals approximately ten million plants, of which five million are over 15 years old. Annual harvesting exceeds 30,000 plants, generating annual sales revenue of over 35 million RMB. Relying on the natural forest ecosystem, the under-forest cultivation model avoids fertilization and pesticide use, ensuring ginseng grows naturally for over 15 years and thereby retaining the medicinal value characteristic of wild ginseng. The company’s products primarily include fresh wild ginseng, dried wild ginseng, wild ginseng powder, and slices, while also developing value-added products such as ginseng flower honey, and ginseng honey slices. Thecultivation base has established the “Jilin Helong Forest-Grown Ginseng and Ganoderma Cultivation System”, which was recognized as part of the sixth batch of China’s Important Agricultural Heritage Systems in 2021. It has also been designated as National Agricultural Comprehensive Standardization Demonstration Zone, a Jilin Province Wild Ginseng Conservation Demonstration Base, and the National Wild Ginseng Base of Dayang Gorge, Helong City. Practical experience demonstrates that leading enterprises play a critical role in technology diffusion, risk sharing, and market expansion. Their active participation not only drives the advancement of the under-forest ginseng industry but also provides a model for the sustainable transformation of regional ecological industries.
4.3 Sustainable Monitoring and
Digital Empowerment
Figure 10
Georeferenced ground station in the case study area of under-forest ginseng cultivation
5 Socio-Economic Development
and Cultural Heritage Preservation
5.1 Socio-Economic Overview
By the end of 2024, the total population of Helong City was approximately 147,300, showing a declining trend over the past decade (Figure 11a). The city is home to 11 ethnic groups, including Korean, Han, Manchu, Mongol, Hui, and Zhuang, with Koreans accounting for about 50% of the total population, Han about 48%, and other ethnic groups about 2%. In recent years, the regional gross domestic product (GDP) has shown an increasing trend, reaching 4.371 billion RMB in 2024 (Figure 11b). Toudao Town administers 2 communities, 16 administrative villages, and 136 villager groups, with a total of 9,661 households and a population of 25,200 [25]. In recent years, under the guidance of rural revitalization and green development strategies, Helong City has formed an economic development pattern supported by ecological agriculture, border trade, and cultural tourism. The under-forest ginseng industry, as an important ecological sector, not only enhances the efficiency of forest resource utilization but also serves as a significant driver of regional economic growth.
Figure 11
Registered Population (2015–2024) and Regional Gross Domestic Product (GDP,
2018–2024) of Helong City
5.2 Historical Evolution of
Ginseng Cultivation
The history of ginseng collection in Helong City can be traced back to 742 AD during the Bohai Kingdom period. At that time, Helong hosted Zhongjing Xiande Prefecture, one of the political and economic centers of the Bohai Kingdom. According to the Old Book of Tang – Bohai Biography, the Bohai Kingdom contributed high-quality wild ginseng from the Changbai Mountain to the Tang Dynasty, and in local barter trade.
In the early Qing Dynasty, the “Eight Banner Mountain Allocation System” was implemented, under which ginseng mountains were designated for harvesting by the Eight Banners.. Ying’e Ridge, as part of the Plain Yellow Banner territory, thus became a core area for imperial ginseng tribute since the early Qing. In 1677 (the 16th year of Emperor Kangxi), the Qing government designated the Changbai Mountains, including the entirety of Helong, as a restricted zone, strictly prohibiting private harvesting [26]. In the mid- to late Qing period, overharvesting and illegal collection brought wild ginseng to the brink of exhaustion, prompting secret experiments in transplantation and under-forest sowing [81].In 1881, the Qing government legalized seedling cultivation (artificial cultivation) and established ginseng management offices. By the late Qing, state-run ginseng enterprises declined, while private cultivation became the foundation for the modern industry [15, 82]. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China , in 1954, agricultural cooperatives pioneered ginseng cultivation, followed by state farms in 1959, though many efforts failed due to poor management. Subsequent government funding and technological improvements increased production. During the 1980s, the contractual system transformed operations: state farms continued, while many collective farms became private, resulting in a decrease in ginseng planting area [26, 83–85]. In 1999, Dayang Ginseng Industry integrated state-owned resources, gradually modernizing the under-forest ginseng industry chain. Key milestones include the inclusion of under-forest ginseng in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2005) and its classification as wild ginseng under national standard “Identification and Grading Quality of Wild Ginseng” GB/T 18765—2008. The 2015 revision (GB/T 18765—2015) mandated that wild ginseng must grow naturally for at least 15 years, shifting the industry to standardized development [28]. The under-forest cultivation system involves direct sowing of ginseng seeds in suitable forest environments, without fertilizers or pesticides, representing an effective approach to pollution-free ginseng production. Through a historical trajectory from wild harvesting and technical exploration to large-scale production, Helong City has developed an industry system centered on simulated wild cultivation techniques. Its recognition as a national agricultural cultural heritage site exemplifies the synergy between ecological conservation and economic development.
5.3 Ethnic Culture and the
Heritage of Ginseng Culture
Helong has long been home to Jurchen (Manchu), Han, and Korean communities, where ethnic traditions and ginseng culture have been deeply intertwined and continuously evolved through generations. Ginseng is not only an important medicinal and economic resource but also embodies health aspirations, social rituals, and spiritual symbolism, earning it the title “King of Herbs.” Local communities continue mysterious ginseng-harvesting traditions that incorporate ecological ethics such as “harvest large, leave small” and “nurture the mountains, protect the forest,” along with traditional techniques like “timing the harvest by observing the mountains” and “arranging combs and sticks,” forming a distinctive ginseng cultural system. Based on generations of accumulated experience, biomimetic cultivation techniques such as shaded forest cultivation and humus soil management have been developed, promoting the scientific development of the under-forest ginseng industry. With the scale-up of the industry, related skills and cultural practices are systematically preserved through intangible cultural heritage programs, festivals, and integration with cultural tourism, creating a sustainable development model of “forest cultivation with ginseng.”
6 Discussion and Conclusion
As an integral part of the temperate mountain ecological barrier of the Changbai Mountain, Helong City, with its unique geography, climate, and soil conditions, provides an ideal environment for under-forest ginseng cultivation. Studies indicate that in the case study area, the synchrony of rainfall and temperature, coupled with cool summers, severe winters, and the combination of suitable soil, vegetation conditions, and high-quality water resources, jointly create an optimal ecological niche for forest-grown ginseng growth. Wild ginseng from this area demonstrates distinct quality advantages in terms of physicochemical composition and hygienic safety standards.
The under-forest ginseng cultivation model not only aligns with ecological protection and green development objectives but also achieves dual benefits in resource conservation and industrial efficiency. Collaborative development between government and leading enterprises has promoted the standardization and scaling of the industry, further ensuring ecosystem stability and economic sustainability. However, the uncertainties posed by climate warming remain one of the major challenges facing the ginseng industry. Future strategies should focus on deepening integration of production, research, and education, extending the industrial chain, enhancing the competitiveness of high-value-added products, and improving policy support and ecological compensation mechanisms. At the same time, strengthening policy support systems and ecological compensation mechanisms, as well as promoting cooperative development between enterprises and cooperatives, will help build a comprehensive green industrial system. Moreover, leveraging ginseng products and their cultural significance, in combination with modern technology and tourism, can foster a multi-dimensional “ecology + culture + industry” development model, thereby comprehensively enhancing regional competitiveness and advancing ecological civilization.
Author
Contributions：Wang, H., designed the overall framework of this case study. Wang, H., Yin,
H. Y., Chen, P., Wang, T. T., and Ding, Y. L. participated in the field
investigations, including soil and water sampling. Jin, R. G., Xu, Y. H., Yin, H.
Y., Cui, B., Guan, H. Y., Huang, Y., Yu, J. M., Zhang, Z. Y., Zhu, S. N., Li, H.
R., Wang, T. R., and Chen, P. provided regional or enterprise-related data and
other forms of support. Wang, H., Hu W., Wang, H. J., Wang, D., Ma, Y. Y. and Cui,
H. contributed to data analysis and manuscript preparation.
Acknowledgments:
The authors sincerely thank
Professors Liu, C., Wang, Z. B., and Song, X. F. from the Institute of
Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of
Sciences, for their valuable guidance and support during data collection and
manuscript preparation. The authors also express their sincere gratitude to all
relevant departments of Helong City and Yanbian Dayang Ginseng Industry Co., Ltd. for their strong
support and cooperation throughout this study.
Conflict of Interest Statement：The
authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest related to the
researchers or the publication of the results of this study.
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