The 147-Year-Old Seed Experiment Still Digging Up Surprises
The Beal Seed Experiment, initiated in 1879 by botanist William James Beal, remains the longest-running active botanical study in the United States. Beal buried 20 bottles containing over 1,000 seeds each from various species in soil to test their viability over time. The experiment has evolved, shifting from a five-year to a 20-year retrieval schedule. The most recent dig in 2021 yielded only 20 sprouting seeds, all from the mullein family, demonstrating that weeds possess superior longevity. The project continues at Michigan State University, with the final bottle scheduled for retrieval around 2100, providing critical data for climate-resilient crop development and seed bank preservation.