Forb Species Establishment Increases with Decreased Grass Seeding Density and with Increased Forb Seeding Density in a Northeast Kansas, U.S.A., Experimental Prairie Restoration

Most prairie restorations fail to produce the diversity of species found in unplowed remnants. This lack of restored diversity is hypothesized to be partly due to the inhibition of forb species by high seeding densities of dominant grasses and partly due to the low seeding densities of forbs used in many restorations. We tested this hypothesis by sowing various densities of forb and warm-season grass seeds into a restoration begun on bare soil. This is the first replicated restoration experiment we are aware of that varies grass seeding densities to examine the effects on forbs. Four years after seeding, we found that higher densities of grass seeds decreased forb cover, biomass, and richness, and higher densities of forb seeds increased forb richness. These results suggest that dominant grasses compete strongly with native forb species and that many forb species thrive when they are spatially separated from dominant grasses. The results also suggest that seed availability limits the establishment of some forbs. Forb diversity can therefore be increased by decreasing grass seeding density, by increasing forb seeding density, or both. However, forb seeds are generally expensive, and increasing forb seeding density across the entire area of a restoration may be prohibitively expensive. We therefore recommend a low seeding density of dominant grasses, and we recommend spatially separating forbs from dominant grasses by adding most forb seeds to areas with little to no dominant grasses and by adding the rest of the forb seeds to areas with a low density of dominant grasses.     

Factoring restoration practitioner perceptions into future design of mechanical direct seeders for native seeds

The methods used to distribute seeds influence the success of a restoration project. We surveyed 183 restoration practitioners from across the globe with the aim of identifying common limitations to the effective use of mechanical direct seeding in large‐scale restoration practice to highlight avenues for design improvement to mechanized seeding equipment. Results from this survey show that direct seeding methods are commonly used for ecological restoration and agree with other studies that suggest the method can achieve results much quicker and cheaper than the alternative of distributing nursery‐grown tube stock. However, this study indicates that current mechanical direct seeding methods lack adequate control of seed sowing depth and spatial distribution and highlight that the inability to sow seeds of varying morphology over complex topography are common limitations to direct seeding. To improve restoration success, engineering improvements to mechanical direct seeders used in large‐scale restoration should focus in particular on addressing issues of precision of delivery for diverse seed types and landscapes.     

Soil seed bank in different vegetation types in the Loess Plateau region and its role in vegetation restoration

In the Loess Plateau region, soil erosion is a serious problem. Vegetation restoration is an effective approach to control soil erosion and improve ecosystems. The soil seed bank generally plays an important role in vegetation restoration after disturbance. Thus, we reviewed soil seed bank studies to reveal the soil seed bank characteristics and its role in vegetation restoration in three vegetation types (forest, forest‐steppe, and steppe). We selected 38 seed bank studies and analyzed several seed bank characteristics, such as seed density, species composition, and the relationship between seed size and seed bank. We also assessed the role of the soil seed bank in vegetation restoration. The soil seed bank density ranged from 2,331 ± 1,993 to 6,985 ± 4,047 seeds/m² among the different vegetation types. In the soil seed bank, perennial herbs and grasses accounted for 51.5% of the total species. Native species that were dominant or common in the standing vegetation usually had relatively high seed bank densities. Moreover, species with smaller seeds generally had higher soil seed bank densities. The present study indicates that the soil seed bank plays a significant role in spontaneous vegetation restoration, especially during the early successional stages in abandoned slope farmlands and grazing‐excluded grasslands. However, species with large seeds or transient soil seed banks should be reintroduced through seeding to accelerate target species restoration. More studies on soil seed banks need to be conducted to comprehensively reveal their characteristics.     

Direct seeding of dry forest tree species in abandoned pastures: effects of grass canopy and seed burial on germination

Natural tree regeneration in abandoned pastures can be hampered by various biotic and abiotic filters, including seed removal and predation. We tested the effects of maintenance and removal of grass and seed deposition (buried and unburied) on seed germination of 12 tree species in dry forest pastures. We obtained evidence supporting the hypothesis that seeds attain higher germination under a grass canopy than on bare ground. For most species, grass cover provides safety from seed predators and facilitates germination by providing a suitable microclimate with soil humidity similar to the forest. The hypothesis that buried seeds attain higher germination was not supported by our data. Predation and removal of unburied seeds ranged from 0 to 77 % and, alone or together, were the major causes of non-germination. Direct seeding is a promising technique for revegetation of recently abandoned pastures in areas originally covered by tropical dry forests. The high germination rate of seeds deposited on the ground and under grass reduces costs during initial restoration stages, potentially facilitating the spread and use of this technique.     

Seed Removal and Predation as Factors Affecting Seed Availability of Tree Species in Degraded Habitats and Restoration Plantings in Rainforest Areas of Queensland,Australia

The post‐dispersal removal or predation of seeds of native tree species was investigated in Queensland, Australia, at degraded habitats and rainforest restoration sites where direct seeding might be used to facilitate tree regeneration (old fields or open habitats, lantana thicket, rainforest edge, and 5‐ and 10‐year‐old restoration plantings). Seed removal/predation was assessed in relation to tree seed weight and canopy density of the habitats during the wet season period. Results indicated that seed removal/predation imposes limitations on seed availability, particularly for small seeded species. In most situations, larger seeds were less removed/predated, most likely due to the more limited range of large seed consumers. The use of large, hard‐coated seeds may potentially reduce seed loss in open situations (from both seed removal and desiccation), unless large seed consumers frequent the site. Canopy cover exerted an influence on seed removal/predation, though trends varied in relation to site and the time of season. Broadcast sowing of seed under planted tree canopies at the more advanced stages of closure may in some areas result in higher seed removal/predation. Likewise, seeding in areas dominated by woody weeds may result in high seed losses to consumers such as rodents. Results suggested that undertaking direct seeding to coincide with the maximal period of fruit production may in some situations be beneficial to minimize seed loss. Overall, site context, canopy cover, and species selection appear to be important considerations when aiming to reduce loss of seeds to animal seed consumers in restoration work.     

Spicing up restoration: can chili peppers improve restoration seeding by reducing seed predation?

Seed predation by rodents presents a significant barrier to native plant recruitment and can impede restoration seeding efforts. In nature, some plants contain secondary defense compounds that deter seed predators. If these natural defense compounds can be applied to unprotected seeds to inhibit rodent granivores, this approach could improve restoration seeding. Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chili pepper (Capsicum spp.) seeds that creates the burning sensation associated with human consumption of hot peppers. This compound has a similar effect on other mammals and is believed to have evolved as a deterrent to rodent seed predators. We used seed‐coating techniques to attach powder ground from Bhut Jolokia (Capsicum chinense) peppers to native plant seeds and evaluated the efficacy of these seed coatings for deterring rodent seed predation and enhancing native plant recruitment using laboratory and field experiments. Laboratory feeding trials demonstrated that native deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) consumed far fewer pepper‐coated seeds compared to untreated control seeds. Field seed‐addition experiments consistently demonstrated that rodent seed predation reduced native plant recruitment over the 4‐year study. Coating techniques used in the first 3 years were not persistent enough to reduce rodent seed predation effects on plant recruitment. However, a more persistent coating applied in conjunction with late‐winter sowing negated rodent seed predation effects on recruitment in year 4. Our results demonstrate that coating seeds with natural plant defense compounds may provide an effective, economical way to improve the efficacy of plant restoration by deterring seed predation by ubiquitous rodent granivores.     

Dispersal traits determine passive restoration trajectory of a Nigerian montane forest

Passive restoration methods offer great promise for tropical regions where resources are limited but the success of such efforts can be variable. Using trait-based theory, we investigated the likely trajectories of passive restoration efforts in a degraded Nigerian montane forest system recently protected from burning and cattle grazing. We quantified the density, species richness, and functional trait dispersion of dispersed seeds and seedling communities at increasing distances from the forest edge. We then determined which plant traits are responsible for colonisation by quantifying changes in functional-trait dispersion and relative frequencies of dispersal-linked traits with increasing distance from the forest. We found a rapid decrease in density and species richness, and significant species turnover in both seeds and seedlings just beyond the forest edge. This was mirrored by a significant decline in functional-trait dispersion and a shift in the relative frequencies of dispersal-linked traits. These findings suggest that the reassembly of plant communities adjacent to remnant forest is dependent on functional traits present in these remnant source populations, providing support for the incorporation of trait-based theory in restoration management.     

Optimizing seeding density of fast‐growing native trees for restoring the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Direct seeding is a promising method for reducing restoration costs, but methodological adjustments are still needed to reduce the uncertainties to achieve a desired seedling density in the field. Here, we investigated the technical approaches and outcomes of direct seeding of fast‐growing native trees for cost‐effective restoration of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Sixteen tree species were manually sown at three seeding densities in planting lines prepared with a subsoiler, in two experimental areas, which were weeded with hoes and had leaf‐cutter ants controlled with insecticide baits. Seedling density was monitored for 30, 90, and 180 days after sowing. No substantial change in tree density was observed 30 days after sowing, thus allowing fast corrective actions to adjust tree density. Only a minor proportion of the sown viable seeds resulted in established seedlings at 180 days (4–12% for the community; approximately 25% for the species with the best performance). However, tree density was high (6,000 on average; approximately 1,400–13,000 trees/ha) and allowed an effective canopy development. Overall, seedling density was linearly and positively associated with seeding density, was highly influenced by the species used, and was higher in the soil with higher sum of bases. Buying seeds would be, for most species, less costly than buying nursery‐grown seedlings for achieving the expected tree densities in the field. These results evidence the potential of direct seeding for reducing restoration costs, as well as the need to select species with better performance and adjust seeding densities to optimize the use of this method.     

Protecting direct seeded grasses from herbicide application: can new extruded pellet formulations be used in restoring natural plant communities?

Restoration of native plant communities through direct seeding often experience low seedling establishment success rates, partly due to competition with invasive weed species. To improve seeding success, herbicides can be applied to control weed competition, however, this can have negative impacts on the seeded species. Activated carbon (AC) can be incorporated into newly developed seed enhancement technologies to adsorb herbicides and increase seedling tolerance. This study expands upon research completed to date, by developing new formulations of extruded pellets containing AC, aiming to provide increased protection to seeded species and increase herbicide selectivity. We tested six extruded pellet formulations, which included two pellet formula variations, and three quantities of AC, to examine the impact on emergence (without herbicide) and mortality (with herbicide) of Lolium rigidum Gaudin (annual ryegrass). Extruded pellet formulations containing a superabsorbent polymer (3%) and AC (10%) did not impede emergence (79%), in the absence of herbicide, similar to the non‐pelleted seeds (81%). This extruded pellet formulation increased seedling tolerance to Simazine (a pre‐emergent, soil applied herbicide) application, with mortality reduced from 96% in non‐pelleted seeds, and 77% in pellets containing no AC, to 22% in pellets containing AC. The results from this study demonstrate that AC extruded pelleting can be used as a restoration seeding technology by protecting seeds from the negative effects of pre‐emergent herbicide applications. Field evaluations with native seeds will mark an important step forward to ensure seed enhancement technology options, such as AC extruded pelleting, are available for restoring natural plant communities in restoration programs.     

Can current native tree seedling production and infrastructure meet an increasing forest restoration demand in Brazil?

Recent global commitments have placed forest and landscape restoration at the forefront of countries' efforts to recover ecosystem services, conserve biodiversity, and mitigate the effects of climate change. However, it needs to be asked if current native tree seedling supply meets an increase in demand for forest restoration? This study assessed the current configuration, distribution, and production capacity of forest nurseries producing native trees in Brazil. Brazil provides an interesting example of how global agreements aligned with national policies can lead to the proliferation of native seedling nurseries, and the challenges faced to restore species‐rich native forest ecosystems. We found that the nurseries in the Atlantic Forest region can still meet an increase in demand—both in terms of seedling quantity and diversity—because most of their production capacity is not currently used. However, not all Brazilian biomes have sufficient nurseries to meet restoration demands, thus there is a risk of using native species from a few biogeographical regions in a much spatially wider and ecologically diverse area. In addition, lack of seed supply and qualified labor can hamper the growth of the market. Barriers to seed supply may also lead to low levels of genetic variability and floristic representation in the populations and ecosystems to be restored. We conclude that restoration of high‐diversity forest ecosystems requires policies and supportive programs, with emphasis on private nurseries, to guarantee adequate supply of native tree seedlings and provide the necessary incentives to develop the emergent economy of forest restoration.     

Principles of Natural Regeneration of Tropical Dry Forests for Restoration

Tropical dry forests are the most threatened tropical terrestrial ecosystem. However, few studies have been conducted on the natural regeneration necessary to restore these forests. We reviewed the ecology of regeneration of tropical dry forests as a tool to restore disturbed lands. Dry forests are characterized by a relatively high number of tree species with small, dry, wind‐dispersed seeds. Over small scales, wind‐dispersed seeds are better able to colonize degraded areas than vertebrate‐dispersed plants. Small seeds and those with low water content are less susceptible to desiccation, which is a major barrier for establishment in open areas. Seeds are available in the soil in the early rainy season to maximize the time to grow. However, highly variable precipitation and frequent dry spells are important sources of mortality in seeds and seedlings. Collecting seeds at the end of the dry season and planting them when soil has sufficient moisture may increase seedling establishment and reduce the time they are exposed to seed predators. Germination and early establishment in the field are favored in shaded sites, which have milder environment and moister soil than open sites during low rainfall periods. Growth of established seedlings, however, is favored in open areas. Therefore, clipping plants around established seedlings may be a good management option to improve growth and survival. Although dry forests have species either resistant to fire or that benefit from it, frequent fires simplify community species composition. Resprouting ability is a noticeable mechanism of regeneration in dry forests and must be considered for restoration. The approach to dry‐forest restoration should be tailored to this ecosystem instead of merely following approaches developed for moister forests.     

基于大叶藻成苗率的新型海草播种技术评价

蛤蜊播种技术是一种新型海草播种技术,该技术中,种子通过糯米糊粘在蛤蜊贝壳上,随蛤蜊穴居被埋入底质。为评价蛤蜊和糯米糊对种子成苗率的影响,以菲律宾蛤仔(Ruditapes philippinarum)和大叶藻(Zostera marina)种子为试验对象,设置了直接播撒种子(A1组)、直接埋种(A2组)、包埋糯米后播撒(B1组)、包埋糯米后埋入底质(B2组)、蛤蜊播种(C)5种处理,每种处理设置3个重复,在实验室的水槽中对其进行试验。结果表明:糯米糊对种子萌发有负面影响,但由于蛤蜊的行为使底质具有透气性,减轻了糯米糊对种子萌发的影响,种子成苗率可达到23.2%;海区试验中利用蛤蜊播种的两个样方中的成苗率分别为19.1%和9.9%。试验表明,蛤蜊播种技术适合作为一种经济、有效的播种技术用于海区海草床的建立和修复。     

Does Restoration Enhance Regeneration of Seasonal Deciduous Forests in Pastures in Central Brazil?

The goal of restoration is to accelerate ecosystem recovery, but in ecosystems that naturally regenerate rapidly restoration techniques need to be selected carefully to facilitate rather than impede natural recovery. We compared the effects of five restoration techniques, such as plowing the soil, removing grasses, adding forest litter, seeding, and planting nursery‐growing seedlings, on the regeneration of seasonal deciduous forest trees in four abandoned pastures in central Brazil. We monitored all woody stems immediately prior to treatments and again 14 months after the treatments. We recorded an average of 16,663 tree stems per hectare and a total of 83 species before implementing treatments. Planting strongly increased species richness; adding litter and seeding had weaker positive effects on richness; and plowing and grass removal had no effect. Plowing substantially reduced the density of naturally established stems. Despite the high survival of planted seedlings, stem density in planting treatments did not change because the tractor and digging holes to plant seedlings caused mortality of naturally regenerating seedlings. Tree stems grew more in the grass release plots than in the control plots. Our results suggest that early succession of seasonal deciduous forest in pastures in the region studied does not need to be stimulated once the perturbation is stopped and that intensive restoration efforts may actually slow recovery. We recommend only enrichment planting of seedlings that are not able to resprout.     

川西亚高山暗针叶林不同恢复阶段红桦、 岷江冷杉土壤种子损耗特征

在川西亚高山米亚罗林区海拔3 100—3 600 m阴坡、半阴坡,以立地条件基本一致的箭竹和藓类林型不同恢复阶段(20—40年生的箭竹-阔叶林、藓类-阔叶林,50年生的箭竹-针阔混交林、藓类-针阔混交林、160—200年生的箭竹-暗针叶老龄林、藓类暗针叶老龄林)的群落为研究对象,于种子成熟散落前(8月)采集土壤样品,应用网筛分选法结合体视显微镜挑选种子,实验室发芽试验法和四唑染色法对种子生活力进行测定,分析了土壤内先锋树种红桦(Betula albo-sinensis)和顶极树种岷江冷杉(Abiesfaxoniana)的残余种子总数、组分及其分布格局;采用样方法调查了红桦和岷江冷杉的1年生幼苗密度。结果表明:1)随着森林的恢复,红桦的残余种子总数、外形完整种子数、发育不全种子数、空粒种子数和腐烂种子数呈减少的趋势,而岷江冷杉则相反。箭竹林型不同恢复阶段红桦的残余种子总数、外形完整种子数、发育不全种子数、空粒种子数和腐烂种子数总体上大于藓类林型相应恢复阶段。岷江冷杉的残余种子总数、外形完整种子数、发育不全种子数、空粒种子数、腐烂种子数的最大值均出现在藓类-暗针叶老林龄;2)在阔叶林和针阔混交林阶段,红桦和岷江冷杉的种子组分所占比例最高的分别为腐烂种子和发育不全种子,在暗针叶老龄林阶段,红桦的腐烂种子和空粒种子的比例位居前列,而岷江冷杉的外形完整种子比例最大;3)随着土层深度的增加,红桦和岷江冷杉的外形完整种子数、发育不全种子数、空粒种子数和腐烂种子数均呈减少的趋势。红桦和岷江冷杉不同组分的种子在枯枝落叶层所占地比例在72.85%—94.28%;4)红桦的1年生幼苗密度随着森林的恢复逐渐减小,而岷江冷杉的1年生幼苗密度随着森林的恢复逐渐增大。在8月份,土壤中已经不存在红桦和岷江冷杉有生活力的种子,两种植物的种子只能形成短暂土壤种子库。     

Should Forest Restoration with Natural Hybrids Be Allowed?

One of the greatest challenges of forest restoration is the choice of appropriate plant material that is adapted to local environments, provides the desired ecological services, and does not compromise the local biodiversity. Plant restoration programs use native seeds, a mixture of local and introduced seeds of the same species or allopatric species. However, restoration programs rarely use local hybrid individuals if a local species exhibits natural hybridization. Hybridization is an important evolutionary process that can result in new genotypic combinations that might be suited better to the target habitat than the parental species and allow adaptation to rapid environmental change. European forests are generally under strict legal regulations so that only certified seeds can be used for their restoration. The European certification procedure for seeds from forest trees has been devised to commercialize clearly identified species with known adaptation to a given area. Natural hybrids, for which taxonomic status is uncertain and fitness is generally unknown, are excluded, which is not the case of artificial hybrids because they have been previously tested in the field. Here we discuss the pressing need to include natural hybrid populations as a source of certified seeds for restoration purposes. Using the example of two ash species and their well‐adapted hybrids along the Loire River in France, we show why European forest guidelines must be made more flexible to allow the provision of stable ecosystem services.     

Testing Broadcast Seeding Methods to Restore Urban Forests in the Presence of Seed Predators

Forest restoration in urban areas often occurs in isolation from remnant forest, limiting the chances for recolonization by native species. Plants with bird‐dispersed seeds can be particularly vulnerable to dispersal limitation and regeneration can be further impeded by non‐native seed predators. We used a factorial experiment to investigate broadcast seeding as a method to reintroduce trees with large seeds and fleshy fruits into early successional forests. We assessed rates of seed and fruit loss, germination and seedling establishment in three seed treatments: (1) caging to exclude introduced mammalian seed predators; (2) removal of fleshy fruit pericarp; and (3) placing seeds in nutritionally enriched clay balls. Across all species (Beilschmiedia tawa, Elaeocarpus dentatus, and Litsea calicaris) seeds and fruits accessible to mammalian predators suffered significantly greater loss (58%) than those protected by cages (4%). However, seed and fruit loss in the presence of predators was reduced to only 35% across all species by the treatment combining the removal of fruit flesh and clay ball application to seeds. Establishment of B. tawa seedlings after 1 year was significantly enhanced by the clay ball treatment (12% of seeds sown vs. 6% without clay balls). Very low establishment rates were recorded for E. dentatus and L. calicaris. Broadcast seeding was found to be a viable method of improving regeneration of large‐seeded late successional trees and may be a cost‐effective alternative to planting saplings. Seedling establishment can be improved with fruit flesh removal and clay ball treatments, especially in the presence of mammalian seed predators.     

Direct seeding to restore tropical seasonal forests: effects of green manure and hydrogel amendment on tree species performances and weed infestation

Although direct tree seeding may be a potentially useful restoration practice, many biotic and abiotic barriers prevent seedling emergence and early development, reducing its success and applicability. To overcome these barriers, we undertook a field experiment to test the effects of using green manure and hydrogel alone, or in combination, on seedling performances of 14 native tree species that were planted by direct seeding in a deforested tropical seasonal forest area in southern Brazil and to examine how green manure affected the initial weed coverage in the study plots. We evaluated competing vegetation coverage and tree seedling emergence and early development for 2 years after sowing. Weed infestation was significantly higher in the experimental plots with no green manure; however, neither green manure nor hydrogel improved tree seedling emergence and early development at any time of measurement. Our results suggest that the use of green manure and hydrogel alone, or in combination, were not effective in guaranteeing direct seeding success; however, green manure can be an effective method to reduce weed infestation. Direct seeding techniques for tree species still need to be improved in order to restore tropical seasonal forests on a larger scale.     

Slash Pile Burning Effects on Soil Biotic and Chemical Properties and Plant Establishment: Recommendations for Amelioration

Ponderosa pine forest restoration consists of thinning trees and reintroducing prescribed fire to reduce unnaturally high tree densities and fuel loads to restore ecosystem structure and function. A current issue in ponderosa pine restoration is what to do with the large quantity of slash that is created from thinning dense forest stands. Slash piling burning is currently the preferred method of slash removal because it allows land managers to burn large quantities of slash in a more controlled environment in comparison with broadcast burning slash. However burning slash piles is known to have adverse effects such as soil sterilization and exotic species establishment. This study investigated the effects of slash pile burning on soil biotic and chemical variables and early herbaceous succession on burned slash pile areas. Slash piles were created following tree thinning in two adjacent approximately 20‐ha ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) restoration treatments in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona. We selected 30 burned slash pile areas and sampled across a gradient of the burned piles for arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) propagule densities, the soil seed bank, and soil chemical properties. In addition, we established five 1‐m² plots in each burned pile to quantify the effect of living soil (AM inoculum) and seeding amendments on early herbaceous succession in burned slash pile areas. The five treatments consisted of a control (no treatment), living soil (AM inoculum) amendment, sterilized soil (no AM inoculum) amendment, seed amendment, and a seed/soil (AM inoculum) amendment. Slash pile burning nearly eliminated populations of viable seeds and AM propagules and altered soil chemical properties. Amending scars with native seeds increased the cover of native forbs and grasses. Furthermore adding both seed and living soil more than doubled total native plant cover and decreased ruderal and exotic plant cover. These results indicate that seed/soil amendments that increase native forbs and grasses may enhance the rate of succession in burned slash pile areas by allowing these species to outcompete exotic and ruderal species also establishing at the site through natural regeneration.     

Innovative Techniques for Large‐scale Seagrass Restoration Using Zostera marina (eelgrass) Seeds

The use of Zostera marina (eelgrass) seeds for seagrass restoration is increasingly recognized as an alternative to transplanting shoots as losses of seagrass habitat generate interest in large‐scale restoration. We explored new techniques for efficient large‐scale restoration of Z. marina using seeds by addressing the factors limiting seed collection, processing, survival, and distribution. We tested an existing mechanical harvesting system for expanding the scale of seed collections, and developed and evaluated two new experimental systems. A seeding technique using buoys holding reproductive shoots at restoration sites to eliminate seed storage was tested along with new techniques for reducing seed‐processing labor. A series of experiments evaluated storage conditions that maintain viability of seeds during summer storage for fall planting. Finally, a new mechanical seed‐planting technique appropriate for large scales was developed and tested. Mechanical harvesting was an effective approach for collecting seeds, and impacts on donor beds were low. Deploying seed‐bearing shoots in buoys produced fewer seedlings and required more effort than isolating, storing, and hand‐broadcasting seeds in the fall. We show that viable seeds can be separated from grass wrack based on seed fall velocity and that seed survival during storage can be high (92–95% survival over 3 months). Mechanical seed‐planting did not enhance seedling establishment at our sites, but may be a useful tool for evaluating restoration sites. Our work demonstrates the potential for expanding the scale of seed‐based Z. marina restoration but the limiting factor remains the low rate of initial seedling establishment from broadcast seeds.