Seed coating is a process designed to create a nutritious environment in the immediate vicinity of the germinating seed. This provides a "boost" for the seedling in its critical early stages of development. Coated seed was first manufactured in Canada in 1977. It was readily accepted by most users and now has a definite role to play in Canadian agriculture.

Coated seed benefits the plant in its critical seedling stage thus ensuring early vigor and maximum establishment. There is some carryover effect from this increased seedling vigor but once the fertilizer coat has been assimilated by the plant, it cannot be of any further direct benefit in its future development.

Prill-On® coated alfalfa seed	Conventional inoculation

In the past, some users have expected coated seed to allow them to ignore good seeding techniques, yet still obtain an optimum stand. Coated seed does provide major advantages but good cultivation techniques must still be followed. Obviously coating cannot alter the inherent genetic characteristics of the seed such as yielding capacity.

The present economic, nutrient and chemical benefits, which are available to coated seed users today, make it a very worthwhile product.

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