Restoration Engineering Seed Technology Deployment Program

WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

Current ecosystem restoration practices, particularly in dryland ecosystems, are not economically feasible on a large scale, and do not produce the much-needed restoration outcomes. Deployment of ecologically informed, systematic seed management practices increases the likelihood of successful plant establishment and the reinstatement of resilient ecosystems. Procedures for post-harvest handling, storage, germination, precision sowing of seeds and real time environmental condition monitoring must all be addressed in a harmonised manner to reduce seed wastage and enhance and maximise seedling establishment i.e. each step cannot be optimised in isolation.

WHAT’S OUR SOLUTION?

We propose to take the next step toward optimising and deploying seed enhancement techniques (e.g. coating, flaming, pelleting, etc.) and seed distribution mechanisms through an iterative process of research and development. Our work focuses on field-based tests and optimisation, and will be design for a range of post-mine landforms including waste dumps and use by a range of end users including the traditional owners of the Pilbara. Ease of use and reducing the capital cost of mechanism acquisition will form a priority of further mechanism development to ensure the development of technological solutions that enable suitable participation from small-to-medium enterprises and traditional owners in mine site rehabilitation.