Seed Delivery Systems Research

Microsites play a critical role in vegetation re-establishment and should be carefully considered in the reclamation of disturbed sites. This project aims to develop and evaluate innovative seed delivery methods for establishing a variety of shrub and herbaceous species, with a particular focus on assessing the cost-effectiveness of using seed pucks for plant establishment on reclaimed lands. Experiments investigated the efficacy of a variety of puck construction technologies including but not limited to puck formulations (including pulp mill biosolids, peat, compost, and biochar), puck production (including mixing technique, press description, piston shapes, pressing pressure), additives (including sticking agents, moisture holding capacity modifiers, and fertilizers), pH adjustment (including high acidity pucks, and blueberry germination in acidic pucks), puck wetting and drying, greenhouse germination, puck coatings and covers (including GreenCoat and shrink wrap), concave pucks, and seed glues.

This study demonstrated that pre-packaged seed delivery systems can provide a beneficial environment for seedling emergence and development particularly where site conditions may negatively affect plant establishment. Pucks can be highly customizable depending on seed type, site prep methods, site microclimate, water supply, and nutrient requirements. Pucks also protect roots, reduce water loss, and reduce competition pressure in the direct vicinity of the seedling. Detailed conclusions are available in the "Report of Activities and Findings for the Seed Enhanced Ecological Deployment System Project".