Improving tree seeds and establishment to support Agroforestry and on - farm sustainability

Seed stocks of trees are often low and yet the demand for seeds and young trees is growing, with governments seeing trees as a way of cutting carbon emissions to net zero.

This project combines Cranfield's scientific expertise on seed physiology and soil science with Elsoms state-of-the-art facilities and know-how on seed treatments to develop processes to improve tree seed quality.

These techniques will be tried on a range of tree / hedgerow species from the laboratory to the field thereby supporting farmers meet the standards of DEFRA's SFI scheme, enhancing bio-diversity, improving habitat connectivity and increasing carbon capture.