Aerial Seeding for Forest and Landscape Restoration: A Systematic Review of Technology, Challenges, and Future Directions

Abstract

ABSTRACT Land degradation is a critical global challenge, threatening biodiversity, food security, and livelihoods. Ecological restoration has therefore become a priority, with aerial seeding emerging as a key method to address issues of scale, accessibility, and efficiency. By dispersing seeds from aircraft or drones, aerial seeding complements ground‐based approaches and is especially effective in remote or degraded areas. First applied in agriculture during the 1940s, its role has expanded with technological advances that allow greater precision, though challenges such as seed predation and uneven distribution remain. A systematic literature review (SLR) of studies published between 2000 and 2024 synthesized current evidence and identified research gaps. A total of 34 articles were analyzed, showing increased interest since 2017, with China contributing 29% of publications. Highly cited studies emphasized unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications in forest regeneration. The literature was stratified into two primary domains: environmental constraints and associated mitigation strategies, and technological innovations designed to overcome technical barriers in aerial seeding. Findings show that aerial seeding is an effective, low‐cost method for large‐scale restoration. It is particularly valuable for degraded and postfire landscapes, where it enhances carbon recovery and reduces costs compared to manual planting. However, outcomes depend on seed traits, site conditions, timing, and predation pressure. Future success will rely on technological advances, ecosystem‐specific strategies, and adaptive responses to climate change. By enhancing seed resilience and precision delivery, aerial seeding could become a cornerstone of global reforestation and restoration efforts.