Because of the large increase in volume obtained when seeds are pelleted, pellets have been shown to be effective carriers of plant protectants (pesticides). The same plant protectants that are often deleterious if applied diretly to the seed can be "carried" in the seed pellet. The act of applying a plant protectant in a band within the pellet is known as "pellet loading". The pellet either acts to "dilute" the negative impact of a plant protectant as it moves through the pellet to the seed, or acts as a barrier to prevent direct seed contact. Active products can thus be "loaded" onto the seed while minimizing adverse seed germination effects. The total amount of "toxicants" applied per acre is less than with in-furrow or other soil applications.