Similar names: Seed-based land restoration, Direct sowing
Muvuca direct seeding is a nature restoration method, where a mix of seeds from dozens of native species at different successional stages are planted simultaneously into the ground. The method mimics natural regeneration mechanisms such as seed soil banks and seed rain. Better known conventional practice is direct seeding’s popular counterpart – transplanting, which is a technique of moving plants from one location to another, usually to preserve the optimal condition of the seedlings. Despite providing more control over the plant’s growth, transplanting doesn’t allow for a high variety of plant seeds to grow simultaneously.
The Muvuca system uses a high diversity of species and ensures longer-term operational efficiency, which in return enables mechanised restoration with reduced planting, low maintenance in terms of time and reduced costs. Planting can be done either manually or mechanised (using machinery such as tractors), which enables the scalability of the intervention. Furthermore, the grown plants through Muvuca become more robust and resistant to various weather conditions, which results in stronger root systems and overall healthier vegetation. Overall, Muvuca direct seeding can contribute to the scaling up of restoration efforts, while reducing costs and increasing the species diversity. Meanwhile, the demand for native species enables the promotion of conservation and well-being.