A review on modern seed delivery systems for sustainable agriculture and environmental restoration

Traditional sowing methods like direct seeding may not always be optimal, particularly for unfamiliar species, necessitating tailored approaches for different seed types and qualities. Thus, the delivery of essential materials along with seed necessitates time and cost saving which ultimately enhances overall seed performance in the planting. Some of the novel seed delivery techniques for agricultural and environmental restoration include seed pellets for mechanized planting, incorporates the seed pellets with biofertilizers improves soil microbiome health and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers. Seed balls for afforestation to promote agroforestry, pollinator support and soil regeneration in degraded soil, seed cube for vegetable gardening and reduction in usage of land and increasing food security, seed mats for ensuring uniform seed distribution and vegetation restoration, seed tapes in precision planting and drone seeding for afforestation are gaining momentum. Similarly, it also looks at the possible uses of seed capsules for delivery of inputs along with seed. These seed delivery systems like seed pellet, seed capsule, seed tape, seed mat and drone seedling which reduces the seed wastage by 20 %, 40 %, 50 %, 60 % and 10 % respectively. These techniques seek to increase seed vigour, seedling survival rates, plant physiology and offer practical, affordable alternatives for crop production and land restoration. Therefore, this review emphasizes the variety of materials and methods that the system employs for agricultural sustainability.