Seedballs: a protective dryland seeding method
About the project
Seedballs (or seed pellets) can be used to protect seeds from harsh conditions and predation in between optimal times for germination, which in drylands, often follow precipitation pulses. However, this method of seeding is relatively new to restoration practitioners, and little is known about the best methods, timing, and additions for seedballs to increase native plant establishment. DEML and partner research groups, are working on many questions around using seedballs as a tool for dryland restoration.
Major questions
What methods of seedball creation increases germination most?
Seedballs can be made by hand, stationary bike, soap press, and many other creative ways. But which of these increase native species germination the most?
Does timing of seedball treatments impact success?
Does it matter what time of year seedballs are distributed across the landscape? How does timing of rain and snow events, and other climatic conditions impact seedballs?
Are there additions to seedballs that can be made to increase seeding efficacy?
Can compost, activated charcoal, and/or other additives could help seeds thrive, or protect them from herbicides?
What we’ve found
Method
Bike-made seedballs were compared with broadcast seeding in a greenhouse study. Bike balls were found to improve native seed germination.
Timing
A study being conducted at the Southwest Colorado Research Center is currently investigating whether germination is better if seedballs are distributed in the fall or monsoon season.
Additions
Activated charcoal and biocrust inocolum improve plant germination when incorporated into seed balls. We are also investigating if incorporating bulked native soil inocolum into seed balls will improve soil health and plant germination.
Video Resources
A short summary of the seedball creation process using a seedball bike
Instructional video of how we make seedballs with the seedball bike
Collaborators
Emily Lockard, Affiliation
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Collaborator, Affiliation
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Team members
Ember Bradbury
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Emily Swartz
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