The Siberian State University of Science and Technology named after Academician M.F. Reshetnev (Reshetnev University) has developed an import-substituting complex of precision seed sowing equipment for growing seedlings with a closed root system. The work was carried out within the framework of one of the priority activities of the world-class scientific and educational center “Yenisei Siberia” – global climate initiatives.
The developed equipment is designed for growing seedlings of scots pine, mountain pine and Siberian larch using various methods of pre-sowing seed preparation. Production tests are currently underway: more than 1.5 million seeds have been sown.
“Only in our region today 160 thousand hectares are waiting for reforestation, and 30% of this territory according to standards should be restored with seedlings with a closed root system, but there is no capacity, equipment, there is not so much prepared planting material. Previously, in our country, we solved these problems by purchasing imported equipment. But now, under the conditions of sanctions, it has become much more difficult,” said Elena Avdeeva, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, Head of the Department of Forest Engineering at the Institute of Forest Technologies. – The line that we have created allows you to plant a greenhouse very quickly. According to our calculations, the development surpasses the Swedish equivalent of the equipment in terms of performance by about 10%”.
Scientists of the Department of Forest Engineering of the Institute of Forest Technologies of Reshetnev University have created special mini-greenhouses for growing seedlings with a closed root system. Specialists of the Krasnoyarsk Forestry have already started sowing seeds of scots pine, this year they plan to grow 450 thousand seedlings in mini-greenhouses of the Krasnoyarsk Region.
“For the first time, we are sowing seeds in an automated way. A special seeder was developed for us by researchers at Reshetnev University. If earlier we manually sowed seeds for three weeks, now this period will be reduced to one week. I would like to note that we grow a sufficient amount of planting material to cover our own needs, and also provide them to neighboring forestry and tenants,” said Andrey Trunov, Director of the Krasnoyarsk Forestry.