DISPERSEED

What it does

DISPERSEED is a sphere of 3D printed, biodegradable and edible seeds. It benefits the diversity and dispersion of plant species in forest areas that have suffered wildfires, through the implication of birds and other animals in the spread of their seeds.

Your inspiration

In Spain it is unusual to have a summer in which there are no wildfires. Unfortunately, climate change does not contribute to this situation. These fires have led to an overpopulation of pyrophyte species, whose seeds and roots resist fire, but are prone to burn again. This adaptation is a strategy to eliminate their competition in the plant kingdom, but it also means depriving the fauna of its habitat. We have decided to design a product that favors the diversity of non-pyrophytic species in Mediterranean forest areas. This product allows creating healthier and more sustainable forests that have greater resistance to this type of disasters.

How it works

DISPERSEED should be distributed in forest areas that have recently been affected by fire. They are provided with hangers so that they can be attached to tree branches or similar structures. The structure has rounded shapes and reddish and purplish colors that resemble fleshy forest fruits, attracting birds even over long distances. It is composed of a dough containing whole seeds. When birds approach the product, they peck and ingest them, increasing the seed's ability to germinate. This process is known as endozoochory. In addition, birds are the most important driver for the dispersal of plant species over large distances. In the case that part of the product gets into the hands of other animals, DISPERSEED would also fulfill its purpose of seed dispersal, as insects like ants or mammals such as squirrels would do the job too. As the hanger is made of a potato starch-based material, which is biodegradable, the product leaves no residues in the ecosystem.

Design process

We started off brainstorming and discussing different problems we could tackle and opted for the idea of helping in the reforestation of Mediterranean forests. Then, we conducted a thorough investigation about the topic and looked for professionals in the sector who could help and teach us essential aspects in order to find a much more accurate solution. From that moment, we began the conceptualization process, proposing a wide variety of ideas that met our requirements, until we reached a definitive concept. We did a lot of meetings, sketches and designs on clay models. Once we had a clear shape for the product, we developed more complex prototypes with 3D printing technology to finish defining its final dimensions. We are very happy because throughout the process there has been great teamwork and a lot of support among the members of the group. We've hit it off a lot, which has helped us develop an idea that we think has great potential.

How it is different

Firstly, DISPERSEED stands out for being a proposal made with an innovative material. This material (a vegetable mixture incorporating whole seeds) is ready to be applied to 3D food printing designs. It would also allow, in the future, to generate other structures with the same composition. On the other hand, DISPERSEED acts as a forestry control tool, supporting the diversity of plant species and preventing the appearance of future fires. It also seeks to encourage the population to actively participate in this process. In this way, it is the user who feels directly involved in the change. Finally, our product adapts to the environment without leaving any type of residue, without requiring human intervention beyond its initial placement.

Future plans

Our future plans include aspects such as implementing the prototype in burned forests in the Mediterranean area and continuing with the research of materials using 3D printing technology. Over time and after some necessary tests, DISPERSEED could be applied to other regions of the world and, consequently, adapted to other species of birds and seeds. It could also be extended to unburned areas to build up diversity and prevent future fires. Another great idea would be adapting it for professional use in the forestry field in order to multiply its uses.

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