13 million seedlings with closed root systems are being grown at the Forest Seed Centers of State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine”

Last month, the “Forest Reproductive Resources” branch completed its sowing campaign, which had been underway since mid-March.

At the first stage, most seeds were sown using an automated sowing line into trays filled with nutrient substrate. The seed trays remained in greenhouses for three to four weeks, where the required microclimate was maintained and automatic irrigation was provided. Once the seedlings became stronger, they were transferred to growing fields, where they are now developing strong root systems and above-ground parts.

The total area allocated for growing seedlings is 3.6 hectares. Scots pine accounts for the largest share of the crops — 2.9 hectares, which will allow the production of around 10 million seedlings of this species. The nurseries are also growing seedlings of Crimean pine, English oak, European larch, Norway spruce, silver fir, European beech, and sycamore maple.

Despite the abnormal heat wave observed several weeks ago, seedling losses were avoided. Automated irrigation systems and balanced mineral nutrition provided young plants with the necessary conditions for development even under high temperatures.

Today, March-sown Scots pine seedlings have already reached an average height growth of around 10 cm, while those sown in June have grown by approximately 5 cm. Several more months of cultivation lie ahead, after which these seedlings will become the foundation for future forests.

What seedling care activities are currently underway?

Protection from heat

During hot days, crops are shaded with special protective nets installed above the growing fields to prevent excessive overheating. Foresters also use automated irrigation systems that provide uniform moisture to the plants. The watering schedule is adjusted depending on air temperature and precipitation levels.

During the extreme heat observed several weeks ago, special attention was given to pine seedlings that had recently been transferred to the growing fields. To support their development and increase resistance to high temperatures, the plants were treated with growth stimulants. These products promote root system formation and help seedlings better withstand challenging weather conditions.

Mineral nutrition

Together with irrigation water, seedlings receive essential nutrients. For this purpose, a fertigation system is used, which automatically adds fertilizers to the water in the required concentration and ensures balanced nutrition for all plants.

Preparation for the forest planting campaign

Before the end of the growing season, the nutrition system is gradually adjusted. In particular, the proportion of potassium in nutrient solutions is increased. This improves plant resistance to low temperatures and ensures better survival rates after transportation and planting in open soil.

Thanks to this cultivation technology, it is possible to produce high-quality planting material with strong survival potential and increased resilience to unfavorable weather conditions. Some of the seedlings grown this spring will already be used during the autumn forest planting campaign, while the rest will be planted next spring.