Abstract:
To germinate and grow, seeds must absorb water. The seeds of many tree species have thick seed coats that slows water absorption and thus delay germination. The heat from natural fires can also crack seed coat; Insects and animals may also make holes in the seed coats without damaging the seed embryo. All this cause seeds to germinate unevenly when sown. In a nursery, it is easiest to protect seedlings when they are of uniform age and size and this can be achieved by proper methods of seed preparation before sowing. Methods which create circumstances similar to nature are designed to penetrate the hard seed cover and allow water to be absorbed.