Lack of Seeds for Ecological Restoration

The Unheard Problem in Restoring Nature

Main barriers of ecological restoration | Source: Wildlife Nomads

Why Seeds Matter in Ecological Restoration

Over the last decades, an increasing unanimous voice is calling for nature restoration projects. With nearly 20% of mammal species on the edge of extinction it is evident some action is needed. Even the United Nations launched the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration initiative spanning from 2021 to 2030. While it is mostly accepted the need of restoring the damaged ecosystems, one of the key elements for this happens is often less talked about: The lack of seeds. A recent report showed that one of the main barriers we will face is an insufficient supply of seeds from native plants.

Large-scale ecological restoration is critical for reversing biodiversity loss and rebuilding habitats. For example, just in Australia, efforts to restore 25,000 hectares of land aim to support habitat connectivity for species like the Endangered koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Despite the urgency, restoration efforts often face significant challenges, a shortage of seeds from local native plants.

Seeds are pivotal in restoration, providing the most cost-effective method for large-scale habitat recovery. However, with establishment rates frequently below 10%, seed-based restoration faces an uphill battle. The demand for innovative technologies to overcome these challenges has never been more pressing.

The Seed Crisis: Why Are Seeds Scarce?

1. High Demand, Low Supply

Future demand for seed will be difficult to meet from wild harvest. The increasing scale of restoration projects means demand for native seeds far outweighs supply. Wild-sourced seeds are limited, and overharvesting can harm already fragile ecosystems. Also, extreme weather events and wildfires, exacerbated by climate change, are taking a heavy toll on native plant communities across the world. These native plants are the backbone of healthy ecosystems, providing critical benefits that sustain life.

Restoring damaged ecosystems depends on access to a diverse supply of native plant seeds, carefully matched to the unique climates, soils, and living species within each system. Unfortunately, the growing pressures on these plants and their habitats are creating a shortage, making ecological restoration more challenging than ever.

2. Low Establishment Rates

Seeds deployed directly in the field face hurdles like:

• Low soil moisture.

• Nutrient deficiency.

• Predation by wildlife.

3. Unwillingnes of markets to pay for the true cost of seed collection and production

Using seedlings instead of seeds is labor-intensive and costly, often exceeding what buyers are prepared to pay, leaving producers underfunded and making it unsustainable for large-scale projects.

This imbalance necessitates technological innovations that maximize seed efficiency while conserving resources.

4. A lack of seed availability from a broad range of species

Many ecosystems rely on diverse plant communities, yet the limited availability of certain species restricts restoration efforts.

5. Inconsistent and unpredictable demand for seed

Without steady demand, seed producers face uncertainty, making it harder to scale operations and meet future needs.

Enter Seed Enhancement Technologies (SETs)

Recent studies have shown how Seed Enhancement Technologies (SETs) could be an alternative solution. Originally developed for agriculture, SETs involve pre-sowing treatments that boost seed performance, including:

• Coatings: Materials like nutrients or herbivore deterrents to protect seeds and enhance growth.

• Priming: Pre-germination treatments that increase seed viability.

Benefits of SETs in Restoration

• Improved Germination: Higher seedling emergence rates.

• Targeted Application: Customizable to specific species or site conditions.

• Resource Efficiency: Minimized seed wastage and cost savings.

SETs are now being adapted for ecological restoration, bridging the gap between agricultural innovations and conservation needs.

Innovative Approaches: SETs and Beyond

1. Precision Delivery with Drones

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, allow for scalable precision delivery of seeds to targeted areas. Combining UAVs with SETs enables efficient restoration, even in remote or challenging terrains.

Drones are increasingly been used to enhance efficiency. | Getty Images

2. Site-Specific Customization

SETs can be tailored to address the unique challenges of restoration sites, such as:

• Arid conditions requiring moisture-retaining coatings.

• Nutrient-poor soils benefiting from fertilizer additives.

3. Sustainable Resource Use

By optimizing seed performance, SETs reduce the strain on limited seed stocks, ensuring long-term sustainability for restoration projects.

Challenges and Considerations

While SETs offer immense potential, their application is not without challenges:

• Mixed Results in Trials: SETs may perform inconsistently across species and environments, necessitating extensive preliminary research.

• Cost of Implementation: Initial investment in SETs and UAVs can be high, requiring significant funding.

• Scalability Issues: Adapting SETs for diverse ecosystems and large projects remains complex.

The Future of Restoration: A Holistic Approach

To address seed shortages and enhance restoration success, a multi-faceted strategy is essential:

1. Expand Research on SETs
   More studies are needed to test SET effectiveness across various native species and ecosystems.

2. Integrate Cutting-Edge Technology
   Combining SETs with UAVs and AI can revolutionize how restoration projects are planned and executed.

3. Promote Collaborative Efforts
   Partnerships between governments, NGOs, and local communities are crucial to scaling restoration efforts.

4. Develop Seed Banks
   Establishing regional seed banks for native plants ensures a reliable supply for future restoration needs.

Seeds of Change

The lack of seeds for local native plants presents a significant obstacle to large-scale restoration. However, innovative solutions like Seed Enhancement Technologies offer a path forward. By integrating SETs, drones, and sustainable practices, we can not only overcome seed shortages but also enhance the resilience of restored ecosystems.

Restoration isn’t just about planting seeds—it’s about sowing hope for a thriving, biodiverse future.

References

1. Not Enough Trees - Conservation Science and Practice

2. The Australian Native Seed Survey Report

3. National Academies

4. New approaches with drones for restoring biodiverse native vegetation

5. Constraints of commercially available seed diversity in restoration: Implications for plant functional diversity