Plant and Seed Technologies for Boreal Reclamation and Reforestation

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The NAIT Boreal Research Institute (BRI) project 'Plant and Seed Technologies for Boreal Reclamation andReforestation' introduces technologies and systems which, when tested and deployed, will accelerate theestablishment of young forests on industrial sites. Working with 10 industry and small-and-medium-sizedenterprise (SME) partners, BRI will develop seed products, technologies, methods, and equipment for thebroadcasting and establishment of boreal plants and seed (P&S) onto large-scale sites (e.g., in situ and surfacemining), problematic industrial sites (e.g., high saline and oil spill sites), and irregular sites (e.g. buffers,corridors, log lay-downs, steep slopes). Innovative seed products and broadcasting tools will enable the promptcovering of industrial sites with native, boreal forbs and shrubs. This ecologically-based approach will preventthe invasion of weeds and other undesirable species on freshly prepared industrial sites. In turn, P&Stechnologies are expected to reduce the need and high costs of chemical herbicides. Building upon BRI'spreliminary laboratory and greenhouse trials of priming and pelleting and the nano-coating of seeds, the projectfocuses on field applications through the operational testing of seed products and the development of practicalseed broadcasting tools and equipment. These new and adaptive technologies will provide industry and SMEswith cost-effective and versatile tools for reliable plant establishment and ecological resiliency. The projectwill spur the market adoption of technologies through the training of a projected 460 field practitioners andsupports for the commercialization of P&S technologies. Regional innovations (e.g., Northwest Alberta P&Sconsortium and Shrub Seed Orchard) will strengthen the industry-business supply chain, ultimately drivingSME competitiveness and diversification. The research program will train over 426 post-secondary and FirstNations students in field-ready scientific, equipment, research and professional skills to prepare them foremployment throughout Alberta and Canada.