Australian Seed Scaling Initiative
Project 3.13 Media Release
Research Program
Operational Solutions
Project Leader
Dr Todd Erickson
Project ID
3.13
Summary
The Australia Seed Scaling Initiative (ASSI) aims to increase the efficiency of seed performance in ecosystem rehabilitation for mined and agricultural landscapes.
Inefficient use of native seeds for planting limits positive outcomes. The impact of climate change on the availability of viable seed stock also creates risks for future restoration outcomes.
To improve efficiency, the project will:
- build upon new seeding mechanisms designed by UWA and Kings Park Science for the Pilbara. These mechanisms process, enhance and more efficiently precision sow diverse mixes of wild-collected seeds in sloped and rock landforms.
- test, modify, and optimise these new mechanisms in the south-west region of Western Australia in Alcoa’s bauxite mine rehabilitation, before testing and deploying to similar systems across Australia.
Future deployment will focus on highly altered landforms commonly found in mined landscapes and severely degraded agricultural environments across Australia. Making equipment available more broadly is a goal.
Project Partners
University of Western Australia; Alcoa, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (Western Australia)
Advisory Participants
BHP, Rio Tinto, Rangelands NRM, Peel Development Commission
Duration
42 months to mid-2025