iSeed

iSeed®- the Intelligent Way of Improving Establishment

iSeed® is a patented nutrient seed coating solution focusing especially on the improvement of nutrient utilization during the early stages of plant growth. iSeed for grasses is exclusively marketed by DLF and is used for both forage and lawn/amenity grass seed mixtures.

 

Feed per Seed

Grass seeds are small and contain very little stored nutrients. Grass seed is often sown into cold soil with low availability of P (and N). With iSeed®, every seed gets its own coating of nitrogen and phosphorus and utilizes it efficiently for germination. Strong, early growth is important for even plant establishment and success in competing with weeds and overcoming stress. Existing fertilizer coats contain 1-2% N at maximum. Higher levels are phytotoxic. iSeed® contains up to 20% N, without harming the seed or seedling.

 

Efficient nutrient utilization

Fertilizer can be applied in several ways: broadcast, band, in seed row or as a seed coating. Phosphorus, as a preseeding application, is very important for early establishment. When broadcasting fertilizer, the utilization rate of phosphorus generally is 5-10%. Band application below the seed row may increase this to 10% and placing the fertilizer in the seed row to 15%. Placing the fertilizer in a seed coating is most effective and the utilization rate will then be increased to 20%.

The latter three methods may also act faster than broadcast application, as the fertilizer is applied in the soil. This is an advantage, especially when overseeding.

Phospherus in soil is easily fixed into forms that are unavailable for plant uptake, so the closer the seed is to the nutrient, the better the utilization rate. With iSeed®, the key nutrients are attached to the germinating seed and developing roots, thus the nutrients are taken up fast and efficiently. The roots and shoots grow rapidly and the seedlings become strong and vigorous. This improves use of all available soil nutrients and decreases nutrient losses to the environment.

 

iSeed® product leaflet