Seed treatments boost crops, but greener versions are coming
Seed Saving
The pelleted seeds sold at garden centers for easier handling often carry synthetic polymer coatings that break down into soil pollution, and knowing that can change what you look for on the seed packet.
Before seeds go in the ground, growers often coat them or soak them in special solutions to help them sprout faster and grow stronger, a practice called seed enhancement. The trouble is that many of these coatings use plastic-like polymers and pesticides that build up in soil over time. Scientists are now testing friendlier alternatives, like biodegradable coatings and beneficial microbes, that give seeds the same head start without the environmental cost.
Key Findings
Conventional seed treatments include coating methods (film coating, encrusting, pelleting) and priming methods (hydro-, osmo-, halo-, bio-, nutri-, hormonal-, chemical-, solid matrix priming)
Synthetic polymer coatings and pesticide-laden treatments contribute to soil health decline and off-target pollution, with effects varying inconsistently across crops, soils and environments
Emerging alternatives, nanotechnology, biodegradable coatings and plant growth promoting microorganism biostimulants, show promise for reducing fossil-fuel-derived materials while maintaining seed performance
chevron_right Technical Summary
Coating and pre-soaking seeds before planting can boost germination and crop yields, but common methods rely on synthetic plastics and chemicals that can harm soil. Researchers are now developing biodegradable coatings and microbe-based treatments that offer the same benefits without the pollution.
Abstract Preview
Original paper
Advances and Deficits of Conventional and Novel Seed Enhancement Technologies
Global population growth, climatic extremes and rising resource pressures necessitate innovative agricultural methods to boost food, feed, fibre and fuel production sustainably. Seed enhancement te...
open_in_new Read full abstractAbstract copyright held by the original publisher.
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Soil health is the capacity of soil to function as a living ecosystem, supporting complex interactions between microorganisms, soil fauna, and plant communities. For plant science, soil health is critical because these biological and chemical soil properties directly control nutrient availability,
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