Seed pellets containing activated carbon increase emergence of native plant species used in dryland restoration following herbicide application

Abstract Introduction Over half of dryland ecosystems worldwide are degraded, making restoration a priority. Most dryland restoration efforts use seed‐based approaches, which often result in limited establishment of desirable species. The dual challenges of abiotic stressors and invasive species dominance are key barriers to native plant community reestablishment in degraded drylands. Innovative seeding approaches that help overcome these barriers are needed. Objectives We tested seed pellets, a seed enhancement technology, with varying compositions and activated carbon amendments, both for herbicide protection and in the absence of herbicide. Methods We conducted two greenhouse mesocosm experiments. The first experiment tested the protective effect of activated carbon in seed pellets, produced using a low‐tech “Bicycle‐Powered Seed Pelletizer,” after aminopyralid herbicide (Milestone TM ) application on diverse seedling emergence. The second experiment examined how seed pellet composition, including variable clay ratios and activated carbon additions in the absence of herbicide, affected seedling recruitment. Results Seed pellets improved seedling emergence in both experiments, with 136% and 56% higher odds of emergence from seed pellets compared to broadcast seeding in the first and second experiments, respectively. Composition and activated carbon additions without herbicide treatment had limited effects. Following aminopyralid herbicide treatment, we found significantly higher emergence from seed pellets containing activated carbon. Conclusions Seed pellets with activated carbon may be an effective seeding method in dryland ecosystems where herbicide treatment and reseeding are needed. Varying clay content and activated carbon additions had limited impacts without herbicide treatment.