Direct Seeding in Reforestation – A Field Performance Review

Abstract

Direct seeding has been considered a forest restoration option for centuries. Over the past half century, the use of this practice has declined in developed countries as forest regeneration programs have advanced with the production of quality seedlings that can successfully establish restoration sites. Direct seeding is being reconsidered as a restoration option as the potential size of the worldwide forest restoration program has grown because of massive deforestation in third-world nations and due to global climate change. This review examines direct seeding from a number of perspectives. First, merits of using this practice in restoration programs are defined. Major merits of this option are that it can be done quickly, over hard to reach and large disturbed areas, and at a relatively low cost. Second, current research findings from restoration programs are discussed. The major finding is that seedling establishment rates are low (i.e. typically around 20% of seeds planted) due to site conditions, seed predation and vegetation competition, and field performance (i.e. survival and growth) is lower than planted seedlings. Third, operational practices for the application in restoration programs are reviewed. To successfully conduct direct seeding programs practitioners need to consider seedbed receptivity, seed distribution and seeding rate. Fourth, potential new practices are presented. Some of these new practices attempt to create a more effective means to disperse seed across the site, minimize seed predation or create a more favorable microsite environment. This review provides a synthesis of what is known about direct seeding, thereby allowing practitioners to make a rational decision of whether to apply this practice towards their forest restoration program.

Direct seeding and outplantings in drylands of Argentinean Patagonia: estimated costs, and prospects for large‐scale restoration and rehabilitation

“…This result was consistent with those reported from other regions of the world (Ceccon et al ; Grossnickle & Ivetić ). However, the better performance of Hyalis argentea var.…”

Acorn size is more important than nursery fertilization for outplanting performance of Quercus variabilis container seedlings

“…Artificial oak forest restoration can be achieved by direct seeding of acorns or by planting seedlings cultivated in the nursery. Direct seeding is cheaper than planting (Grossnickle and Ivetić 2017), but under harsh conditions, such as when soil is dry or of low quality, survival of plants grown from directly seeded acorns is frequently lower than that of nursery-grown seedlings (González-Rodríguez et al 2011b;Pemán et al 2017). Therefore, seedling planting is the most commonly used forestation method in oak restoration projects.…”

Scots Pine Seedlings Growth Dynamics Data Reveals Properties for the Future Proof of Seed Coat Color Grading Conjecture

“…This hypothesis is the basis of the project "Development of forest seeds production with the specified characteristics" [2]. The project goal was the improvement of forest seed production for direct, both ground and aerial seeding [3,4], as well as storage, by devising a technology and designing technical means for qualitative and quantitative grading of seed.…”