Abstract
The basic principle of silviculture is the rational use of natural regeneration. The acceleration and equalisation of seed germination and an increase of the field seed germination ability are affected by seed scarification, which results in the destruction or weakening of the seed cover. Acorn scarification is performed manually, in the standing position, most often in adapted work stations, whose geometry is adjusted by the staff to their own anthropometric dimensions. An added value of acorn scarification consists in the ability to visually assess the health status of the cotyledons visible on the cross-section, making it possible to infer the potential use of a seed for sowing. However, due to the scope and duration of the activities involved, manual scarification is a process that is monotonous and physically as well as psychologically tiring for its performer. Automating of this process allows for effective replacement of human labour. The results obtained from the use of the vision system designed to determine the length and orientation of acorns may be considered satisfactory. The implementation of the seed orientation detection algorithm using the Harris detector was 90% accurate. Studies and analyses have shown that the process of acorn scarification has a positive effect on the later improvement of uniformity and acceleration of seedling emergence. In the case of seeds subjected to scarification, 83% of the acorns germinated within 4 to 6 weeks after sowing.
Highlights
Modern, sustainable forest management consists of protecting and shaping the natural environment through its utilisation
In view of the above, artificial regeneration is commonly used for common oak, and seedlings are increasingly grown in container nurseries [12,13]
The results obtained from the visual system designed to determine acorn length and orientation may be considered satisfactory in the context of its use for the control of the automatic scarification device
Summary
Sustainable forest management consists of protecting and shaping the natural environment through its utilisation. Sometimes direct sowing of acorns is performed [14] This species poses significant problems for nurseries as it is characterised by extremely uneven germination the use of precision sowing contributes to the creation of identical growing conditions for seedlings. The first seeds start to germinate 2–3 weeks after sowing but the final ones can be even after 16–17 weeks This results in the differentiated growth of seedlings and increases competition between them. The later seedlings remain under the cover of the larger ones with well-developed leaves which effectively limit the access to light and water [6,15] In this way, nursery production favours the faster growing seedlings, due to which those growing slower yield to competition or are eliminated in the process of their sorting [16]
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