Advancing rangeland restoration: a global systematic review of reseeding methods and practical applications

Introduction Rangeland degradation threatens biodiversity, ecosystem services, and the livelihoods of communities that depend on rangeland resources. Reseeding optimization methods can improve seed germination, emergence, and early plant establishment under challenging environmental conditions, but their relative effectiveness across techniques and restoration contexts remains poorly understood. Objective We synthesized evidence on reseeding optimization methods, materials, experimental settings, and designs used to improve seed germination and plant establishment in degraded rangelands. We also examined geographic patterns in reseeding research and identified factors associated with successful reseeding. Methods We systematically reviewed 70 studies published between 1990 and 2025 on reseeding optimization for rangeland restoration. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analyses framework, we synthesized evidence on reseeding techniques, materials, experimental conditions, and outcomes related to germination, emergence, and plant establishment. Results None of the reviewed studies evaluated reseeding optimization in eastern African rangelands; research was concentrated in the United States and Australia. Of the 70 studies, 53% were conducted under controlled conditions, 33% in the field, and 14% used both. Seed coating and seed pellets, the most studied techniques, did not differ significantly in effects on emergence. Seedballs showed the largest positive relative change in germination, based on only two studies; no seedball data were available for emergence. Treatment responses also varied with climate and experimental setting. Conclusion No single reseeding technique consistently outperformed others across contexts. Effectiveness depends on the interaction among technique, materials, plant species, and environmental conditions. Greater emphasis on field‐based research, particularly on native rangeland grasses in eastern Africa, is needed to develop practical, context‐specific restoration approaches.