Seed coating is an agricultural technique made up of a combination of polymers and drying powders, which helps in the treatment of seeds, whether Industrial, Semi-Industrial or On-Farm.
Among its main differentials is that it provides greater adhesion, visual identification, greater safety for humans and the environment, as well as optimizing processes. This technology is applied to a wide range of crops, such as soybeans, corn, cotton, wheat, rice, forage crops and vegetables, among others.
In addition to the technical benefits, the Seed Coating market is constantly growing. In 2023, according to IMARC studies, this technology was valued at USD 2.6 billion, and is estimated to reach USD 5 billion by 2032, with an annual growth rate of 7.27%. This increase reflects the demand for better quality seeds and more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.
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What is Seed Coating and how does it work?
Seed coating consists of applying a protective layer to the seeds using polymers and drying powders.
Polymers
These are liquid formulas developed for seed treatment, aimed at adherence and fixation of the TS mixture (pesticides, micronutrients, biologicals, etc.), guaranteeing:
- Protection against loss of seed treatment.
- Greater adhesion;
- Greater resistance to abrasion;
- Excellent visual aspect;
- Reduction of leaching losses by gradually releasing actives and additives into the seeds;
- Better coverage and distribution of the treatment solution on the seeds.
Drying powders
They are used in the treatment as finalizers in the TS process. They provide drying and also:
- Improved seed fluidity;
- Easy to bag;
- Reduction of abrasion losses.
- Drying powder, when already graphitized, facilitates handling and improves the efficiency of mechanized planting, reducing losses and ensuring a more precise distribution of seeds on the ground.
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Benefits of Seed Coating in Agriculture
Seed coating technology has emerged as a strategic ally for seed performance and crop sustainability. This process offers a series of agronomic, operational and environmental advantages. Check out the main benefits:
1. reduced environmental impact
Seed Coating provides better distribution and coverage of the active ingredients applied to the surface of the seeds, allowing a gradual release of the active ingredients and minimizing leaching losses. This control contributes to:
- Reduction of soil and groundwater contamination.
- Less dust emission during seed handling.
- Safer working environment for operators.
- More efficient use of inputs, with less waste.
2. Easier planting
The addition of high-performance drying powders, especially graphite lines, provides:
- Better seed flow and sliding in the planting mechanisms.
- Reduction of duplicates and distribution failures.
- Easy bagging and logistical handling.
- Improved plantability, ensuring more uniform deposition on the soil.
3. Better coating and adhesion
The technology provides even coverage of the seed, ensuring:
- Better distribution of the treatment mixture over the surface of the seed.
- Reduction of TS film loss, increasing the effectiveness of the products applied.
- Greater resistance to abrasion, preventing treatments from coming off during storage and transportation.
- Significant reduction in dust, promoting a cleaner and safer environment.
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4. More efficient crop establishment
The combined application of pesticides, biostimulants and micronutrients favors the initial development of seedlings. Among the benefits:
- Initial pest and disease control, protecting the seed in the soil.
- Stimulation of vigorous and homogeneous seedling growth.
- Help to overcome climatic stresses in the early stages of development.
- Better use of nutritional resources, which can contribute to greater crop uniformity.
5. Quality maintained during storage
The Film-Coating Technology used in the treatment process also contributes to maintaining the physiological quality of the seeds during post-treatment storage and can help reduce losses.
Industrial Seed Treatment (IST)
Industrial Seed Treatment (IST), especially with the use of Seed Coating technology, represents a significant advance in preparing seeds for planting. This process involves the application of polymers and drying powders that provide greater adhesion, uniform coating, better drying and fluidity, which facilitates plantability and seed protection.
TSI Quality Factors
- Precise application: the exact dosage of inputs is essential to avoid losses and guarantee the effectiveness of the products applied.
- Optimizer technologies: the use of treatment optimizers ensures greater uniformity and stability of the treated seeds.
- Continuous monitoring: quality control at all stages of the process ensures a high standard of performance.
TSI advantages
- Operational practicality: the "Open and Plant" system eliminates the need to apply products at the time of planting, reducing the demand for labor in the field.
- Greater safety: the operation takes place in controlled environments, meeting legal and environmental requirements, with correct waste disposal and operator protection.
- Agronomic efficiency: TSI favors initial plant development, promotes better crop establishment and helps control pests and diseases.
- Climate resilience: the combined application of inputs can help plants cope better with adverse weather conditions in the early stages of growth.
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