Temperate broadleaf forests occupying river floodplains of the southern United States are rich in tree species diversity, with various species of bottomland oaks (Quercus spp. L.) often comprising a primary overstory component in these forests across the region. Comprehensive research to support development of seeding as a method for artificially regenerating bottomland oaks began in the early 1980s and quickly advanced to produce reliable practices for establishing oak-dominated stands. Large-scale forest restoration was initiated across the region during the late 1980s at which time bottomland oak seeding practices were adapted for broad scale use due to their relatively low costs. This manuscript presents a synthesis of basic bottomland oak ecology, factors leading to degradation of bottomland oak sites and stands, favored techniques and practices for restoring bottomland oak forests through seeding, factors that limit success and impose risks upon seeding projects, and silvicultural principles for seeding bottomland oaks in the southern United States.

This manuscript introduces the current special journal issue International Practices for Regenerating and Restoring Forest Trees by Seeding, for which the concept and effort to undertake were motivated within the IUFRO Task Force on Transforming Forest Landscapes for Future Climates and Human Well-Being. The journal issue, comprised of contributions from North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, represents a significant range of seeding activities inclusive of scores of species, forests, forestation sites, and climates. Approached as an information guide and source of advancements that are being studied and applied in contemporary practice around much of the globe, International Practices for Regenerating and Restoring Forest Trees by Seeding provides a synthesis of regional practice and research intended for an audience of early career scientists, practitioners, and policy makers working in forest restoration.

Seeding is gaining popularity in global forestation for its scalability and cost-effectiveness, especially where nursery stock is limited. It enables rapid, large-scale forest establishment, even on remote or degraded sites, and allows control over species and genetic diversity. Seeding is cost-effective for inaccessible or low-productivity areas and is used in ecological restoration to boost biodiversity. Success depends on species, seed quality, timing, soil, and site management. It is best suited for areas where natural regeneration is infeasible, low-cost forestation is needed, sites are remote or difficult to access, or rapid resource control is required. Germination and establishment rates are generally low (average germination ~44%, establishment ~21%), with significant variability by species and site. Large-seeded, fast-germinating species perform better. Seed availability and quality are key challenges. Proper timing, storage, and site preparation are crucial, particularly for species with recalcitrant seeds. Methods include broadcast and direct placement, with drone seeding emerging for large projects. Higher seeding rates are needed for small seeds and broadcast methods. Climate change is increasing drought and heat stress, making moisture retention and microclimate management more important. Technological advances, like automation, seed treatments (coatings, biochar, mycorrhizal inoculation and encapsulation), and precision seeding, are improving outcomes. Combining seeding with planting can enhance diversity and success, but careful planning and ongoing management remain essential.