When practicing direct seeding on forest land there are practical recommendations considering among others Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) , Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris

L. ), birch, beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and oak in relation to the target species. There are, however, few recommendations available for seeding on farmland, although the factors associated with successful establishment are the same as for natural seeding (species, mineral soil, moisture, competition by grasses and herbs, and weather conditions).

The success of establishment of seedlings after direct seeding depends on the nature of the soil treatment and the date of seeding. The critical phase is the emergence of seedlings during the first days or weeks after seeding and the moisture conditions in the treated spots. Generally, precipitation is low in late spring and therefore seeding must be undertaken early in spring.

High quality seeds are expensive and therefore a natural seed source close to the planting site can allow collection from mature seed trees of the appropriate species. Birch and alder are suitable species for producing stands for bioenergy harvest, with subsequent vigorous sprouting or suckering. Depending on seeding method the amount of seeds is 0.5-1.0 kg ha-1.