Padsätt

Padsätt, or pad sowing, is a propagation technique used in horticulture and seed biology that involves placing seeds on moisture-retaining pads instead of directly in soil or conventional substrate. The pads provide a controlled moisture environment and can help regulate temperature, promoting uniform germination.

The technique typically uses cellulose-based or polymer fiber pads laid in trays. Seeds are distributed at species-appropriate spacing on the pad surface, and the pads are kept in a controlled environment with monitored temperature, humidity, and light. Some pads are pretreated with nutrients or growth regulators. Once germination occurs, the young seedlings can remain on the pads for a period before being transplanted to soil or inert substrates.

Materials and variants include cellulose pads, polymer hydrogels, or fibrous composites. Some pads may be treated with antiseptics to reduce contamination, while others are designed to release moisture gradually. Depending on material and system, pads may be disposed of after use or reused with proper cleaning.

Applications are common in commercial nurseries for rapid, uniform germination, especially for small seeds or delicate species that benefit from precise moisture control. Pad-based systems are also used in research settings to study germination under standardized conditions and to compare genotypes or treatments under consistent moisture regimes.

Advantages of padsätt include improved germination uniformity, reduced seedling mortality, and easier automation and handling in confined spaces. Limitations involve higher material costs, disposal or recycling considerations, and variable suitability across species. Environmental implications depend on the choice of pad material and end-of-life management.