Seed balls for Reforestation

Seed balls for reforestation.

May 2018. Seed balls are a form of direct seeding, where the seeds are coated within a ball of clay or other materials such as biochar and then spread by various means. They are mostly used in reforestation, but can also be used to improve pasture, establish mixed improved fallows, wind breaks, wood lots, for biochar or charcoal production, etc.

Thanks to Teddy Kinyanjui of Kenya Seed balls for kindly supplying most of these photos. Teddy is the son of Dr. Maxwell Kinyanjui who invented the popular Jiko stove (a fuel-efficient cooker which reduces fuel wood collection and deforestation, and produces biochar). Teddy and his sisters have continued their father’s legacy.

Update August 2019:

Tourists visiting the Masai Mara National reserve in Kenya now have the opportunity to help with reforestation. The Governors’ group of safari camps have partnered with Kenya Seedballs to distribute seed balls containing African Olive tree seeds along the Mara river… thrown from hot air balloons!

https://www.governorscamp.com

*

Unless otherwise stated, the photos are by Teddy or his brother-in-law. See their web site: http://www.cookswelljikos.com. Contact: seedballskenya@gmail.com and cookswelljikos@gmail.com.

*

*

The problems

Environmental degradation can be due to many causes, including prolonged and repeated droughts, fuel wood collection, and poorly managed livestock grazing for example, all of which reduces the vegetation cover and exposes the soil.

These problems may then be exacerbated by heavy flooding rains which can cause massive erosion gullies and the loss of precious top soil.

The end result may be that natural vegetation and previously productive agricultural land turns into dongas and dust bowls. (donga is a South African name for an erosion gully).

*

The quote below eloquently tells the tragic story of environmental degradation in South Africa. From the book “Cry the beloved country” by Alan Paton:

paton-quote (3)

*

*

*

*

Charcoal production is a major cause of deforestation in Kenya (and elsewhere in Africa) and the Kenyan government has recently banned the sale of charcoal. This may seem like a good thing, but around 80% or more of Kenyans use charcoal for basic cooking and heating, and alternatives need to be found, or charcoal needs to come from legitimate and sustainable sources. One possibility would be to use Zai holes and arborloos (see the “Arborloo” page on this site) to grow fast-growing plants such as Sesbania sesban (in wetter climates and soils), bamboos, and possibly Acacia holosericea, Acacia torulosa, or similar, (in drier climates/soils). Perhaps the Kenyan government could subsidise legitimate and sustainable wood and charcoal production in Zai holes and arborloos. In the mean time, people will probably simply adapt and clandestinely barter charcoal.

*

*

*

Seed balls as a solution

See also on this site the Animal Improved Dung plus Seeds treatment, where animals can be fed seeds and spread the seeds in their manure. This system could be used in conjunction with seed balls.

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

Spreading seed balls

By hand:

*

*

*

*

*

By catapult:

*

*

*

*

By dog:

Mans’ best friend is always happy to help the human pack.

*

*

By air:

*

*

*

*

More photos

*

*

Sesbania species in Africa and Asia should grow very quickly in Zai holes and arborloos, producing animal fodder, fuel wood and possibly charcoal/biochar.

*

Sesbania sesban and other Sesbania species are very useful as easy to establish fast-growing trees for reforestation, nitrogen-fixation, fuel wood production, fallows, etc.

*

*

*

*

Seedballs have great potential for reforestation around the world, following the example set by the Kenyans.

***