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Re: [seedsavers] Seedballs



Lawrence,
 
There is a text about seedballs in the files section of Fukuoka
group on Yahoo at:
 
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fukuoka_farming/
 
I'm not sure what it contains. There are also regular meetings
at Panos farm in Greece for reforestation projects with seedballs.
Look for Greenbelt Europe or greening the Mediterranean or
something like that.
 
I did a few small scale tests for broadcasting small grains with
seedballs. I had some problems and will need to change some
parameters for the next test.
 
Here is a quick overview of the procedure:
1) select reddish clay at a depth of a foot or too
2) pulverize and pass through sieve to remove stones
3) mix with one or more types of seeds at a ratio of 1/3
4) form balls while adding water by
4a) hand (OK for small amount and large seeds)
4b) metal mesh (not recommended)
4c) tray rolling back and forth while slowly adding water
4d) swinging around in large bowl (good stomach exercise)
4e) rotating drum like a concrete mixer without the shovels
5) let dry
6) broadcast
 
Note:
- Ideally one ball should contain one seed, but mostly that
is not possible.
- Balls should be round and firm.
- A mixture of seeds can contain for example a cash crop like
wheat together with a cover crop like clover or other suitable
combinations.
- Do not soak seeds
 
Problems encountered:
A slight rain will not cause the seeds inside the seedballs
to germinate, while a strong rain will wash the clay of the
seedballs away leaving the seeds unprotected on the ground.
 
Possible solution:
Cover seedballs by mulch or broadcast seedballs into mulch
or vegetation.
 
Other issues:
- Large seedballs have tendency to crack.
- Some talk about adding compost or other amendments to
the mixture. I think clay is enough.
 
Dieter Brand
Portugal
 
"Lawrence F. London, Jr." <lflj@intrex.net> wrote:


Has anyone done any work or experimentation with seedballs as a way of direct seeding crops in the field or in the
garden or for wild area restoration?

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