Sustainable seed solutions Crops and Products Technologies News About us Contact Log in English SEED COATING Seed coating is a method of improving the quality, plantability and ease of handling of seeds, ultimately leading to more efficient farming and improved yields. It also has reduced environmental risks compared to other farming practices. WHAT IS SEED COATING Seed coating is the application of materials onto the surface of seeds for the purpose of making seeds’ shape, size, weight and seed surface more uniform to make them easier to plant and/or to apply active compounds that improve seed quality and protect the seed from biotic and abiotic stress. TYPES OF SEED COATING There are three main types of seed coating: PELLETING Pelleting surrounds the seed with a shell which increases the size and weight of the seed and ensures a smooth, uniform shape; typically a sphere or ovoid. Pelleting seeds improves their handling and planting efficiency. Pelleting can also incorporate active ingredients with the benefit that the pellet composition protects the seed from contact with phytotoxic compounds. ENCRUSTING Seed encrusting is similar to seed pelleting with the primary difference being that encrusted seeds retain more of their original shape. The seed encrusting process still increases the size, weight and uniformity of the seed and improves their planting efficiency. The encrusting process is usually faster and, in some case, more economical than pelleting. Find out more about pelleting and encrusting. 2. EFFICIENT PLANTING & IMPROVED EASE OF HANDLING Mechanical planting of seeds is much more efficient when seeds are a uniform size and shape, have sufficient size and weight to be easily separated mechanically, and flow readily. Seed coating makes light seed heavier, irregular seed more uniform and reduces clumping and dust. 3. BETTER CROP ESTABLISHMENT An important aim of any seed treatment is ultimately improved crop establishment and seed coating contributes to this in a number of ways. Coating seeds to give them a more uniform shape means less skips and doubles in the drum of the mechanical sowing equipment. This results in improved spacing of seedlings which is beneficial for plant development. It also assists in sowing at the right depth which improves the conditions for germination. Beneficial additives in seed coatings ensure that an accurately controlled quantity is available to the sown species and not to neighbouring weeds. Our technologies: getting the utmost out of seed. Seed coating Seed film coating Seed encrusting Seed pelleting Seed priming Seed upgrading Seed-applied biologicals and additives Seed hygiene Analytical seed services PRODUCTS Search our product database for all our products Find MSDS Search for a material safety data sheet Search CONTACT Westeinde 107 1601 BL Enkhuizen The Netherlands Tel: +31 (0)228 358000 Incotec on LinkedIn Incotec on YouTube © 2021 Croda International Plc | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Accessibility statement | Conditions of Sale About cookies on this site By continuing to use this website, you agree to the use of cookies. You can find out more details in our Privacy policy. Live Chat