Learn how to Coating

Improve your own seeds
On this page we will show you how to pelletize seeds in an ecological way to increase their efficiency.
The first thing

Materials needed

We have developed this community pelletizing methodology using a conventional cement mixer, and a water sprayer to pelletize large quantities of seeds. To pelletize smaller seeds, a bucket can be applied to the mixer.

Layer 1: Bioprotection

Natural compounds that allow to protect the seed against harmful agents such as fungi and bacteria.

  •  The main natural fungicides are: garlic, nettle, ash, horsetail, cinnamon, diatom.

Layer 2: Nutrition

They are natural organic fertilizers produced by beneficial soil microorganisms (fungi and bacteria), which produce a synergy with plants and return organic matter bioavailable to the roots.

  • Main biofertilizers: Earthworm Humus, compost, liquid fertilizer, efficient both aerobic.

Layer 3: External protection

Natural compounds that allow to protect the seed against external agents, such as insects, sun and dehydration.

  • Agents against insects: ash, garlic, diatomaceous earth, clove, turmeric tobacco, cayenne, Lavender.
  • External protection: Clay, hydrogel, charcoal, lime dolomitic.

In between: Binders

Coating materials are bonded through binder or adhesive substances, preventing layers of coverage from breaking or tearing.

These binders can be: Plantago, alginate, agar agar, gum arabic, gelatin, vegetable oil, milk powder, casein, honey, starch or resins.

A three-layer model

Main ingredients

This would be a relationship of the main organic ingredients that we have selected for an ecological pelletization. All ingredients must be applied either in liquid (as infusion or tea) or powder in the smallest possible form, if possible using a filter.

The coating process

Hands to work

We recommend that you start with small controls until you master the technique. The process is simple, but requires experience until you know just the right amounts. The solid ingredients should be applied very thin, and very little by little, not to form lumps or to create pellets without seeds inside.

The liquid components are applied through a pulverizer as thin as possible, which does not produce drops. Minimum amounts of liquid are applied between material and material to improve the adhesion of the dust on the balls. Some materials need more binders than others because they can be more stickers.

If the balls stick together you can separate them with your hands very carefully. A good pelletization should not need mechanical separation.

If you have doubts, we can offer trainings.

Visual support

Video Tutorial of the process

In the following video we illustrate how the pelletizing process is to facilitate the learning of the technique.
Our methodology

How did we do that?

Powerful seeds (Semillas Poderosas) is a project that seeks to make accessible the knowledge around the organic seed pelletizing. And put light on both the type of ingredients that are used in the production methodology.

Then you have available the Plan of the social intervention of this agro-technological project , developed in the city of Rosario, Argentina, for the agro-ecological Orchard Park Huerta El Bosque. Where we work with a community making various training on low-cost seed pelletization.

This project is a summary of the 12 days of work carried out during the laboratory of Citizen Innovation LABICAR, and we intend that it can serve as basis for other projects of social intervention on empowerment with the pelletizing or curing of seeds for territories of Latin America.

Nendo Dango: All the power in your hands.