Effects of seed coating on establishment

Abstract

Effects of 33 commercial and laboratory types of coating on seed (predominantly grass) establishment were investigated in 13 field, glasshouse, and laboratory experiments. Coatings were generally 1 : 1, coat: seed (w/w). Although establishment was greatly enhanced on occasions (up to six-fold), the effect was often inconsistent. Coating was effective at an early stage of germination or seedling establishment. Physical rather than fertiliser properties of the coat seemed to be effective; there was no specificity among particular coats and seeds. Coating was effective at near limiting moisture tensions and when seed was exposed to light, but effects were not related to soil texture or low to moderate moisture tensions. Reverted superphosphate was among the best coating materials, although lime or talc coatings often gave better establishment on coarse textured soils. Gelatinous type materials had no advantage. Concentrated salt fertiliser coatings depressed laboratory germination, but the effect was not as marked in field trials. An interaction between coating, soil texture, and fertiliser was, indicated by two instances of enhanced establishment of lime-coated seed on highly fertilised sand.