Reforesting from air: seed-releasing rocket inspired by the explosive pop of popping cress seeds

Paper number

GLOC-2023,T,IP,x75420

Author

Ms. Stephanie María Leitón Ramírez, University of Costa Rica, Costa Rica

Coauthor

Ms. Maryam Safai Fard, University of Costa Rica, Costa Rica

Coauthor

Mr. Alvaro Bermudez, University of Costa Rica, Costa Rica

Coauthor

Ms. Morelia Soto-Garro, Universidad de Costa Rica, Costa Rica

Coauthor

Dr. Leonora de Lemos, Universidad de Costa Rica, Costa Rica

Coauthor

Mr. Josué Alfonso De la Cruz Roa, University of Costa Rica, Costa Rica

Coauthor

Ms. Larisa Torres Dorati, Universidad de Costa Rica, Costa Rica

Year

2023

Abstract

The current paper presents the use of a seed-releasing rocket to assist in the regeneration of the dry forest after a wildfire in the protected areas of Guanacaste (Área de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG)), located in the northwest of Costa Rica. According to the ACG website, 21 wildfires affected more than 2500 acres of protected forests in 2021. Recolonization of native species is required to restart the forest regeneration cycle in a fire-damaged forest. The greater the number of seeds that can be dispersed, the higher the likelihood of success. 
The first stage of reforesting a damaged wildfire forest is to grow a secondary forest. For this, native species and heliophytes are preferred. A list of Guanacaste´s zone tree flying seeds has been studied, and three of them were selected based on their biological properties: Jicaro (Crescentia cujete), Balsa (Ochroma pyramidale), and species from the Fabaceae or Leguminosae family like Sota Caballo (Zygia longifolia). Their natural resistance to wildfires due to their special tree bark, fast growth, poor soil, low water requirements, high seed density in the fruit with a natural mechanism to open it (dehiscence), and the ability to uphold the dry conditions of Guanacaste during the summer are favored to be chosen for this model. 
The prototype is designed to release the seeds from inside, inspired by the explosive mechanism of popping cress seeds. The parachute-releasing mechanism utilizes the biomimicry design tool to imitate the "jumping" function of the popping mentor. Because of the performance of a model rocket, this could be an innovative method to spread seeds so the forest can regrow in the affected wildfire areas. In summary, reforesting from the air may creatively help to fight the effects of climate change and benefit biodiversity repopulation.

Abstract document

GLOC-2023,T,IP,x75420.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

GLOC-2023,T,IP,x75420.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.