Direct seeding is used mainly for Scots pine and the regeneration results are mostly good; especially compared to natural regeneration. Looking at the results from the seed consumption point of view (seedlings per sown germinable seeds), the outcome in direct seeding is, however, very low (10−20%) resulting in great losses of valuable seed. The main factors causing seed and seedling losses in direct seeding are drought, frost heaving, predation and erosion. The effect of these factors could be substantially reduced if seeds are sown under a thin humus layer on the top of the relatively intact mineral soil. Another important aspect in improving the results is the identification of the suitable sites for direct seeding. Read more about possible future ways to improve the result in direct seeding in
