Abstract: The invention provides a separation system comprising a decanter, a supply tank, a first conduit between the decanter and supply tank, and an overflow reservoir in fluid communication with an upper portion of the decanter. Also provided is a method of separating particles. The method comprises providing a reservoir comprising a plurality of seeds in a liquid; providing an inlet flow of the fluid into the reservoir; adjusting the specific gravity of the liquid so that a first portion of the seeds float near the surface of the liquid and a second portion of the seeds sink near the bottom of the reservoir; providing an outlet flow of the fluid from a location proximal to the top of the reservoir, wherein the outlet flow removes the first portion of the seeds from the reservoir; and recycling the outlet flow of the fluid back to the inlet flow of the fluid. The system and method of the invention are particularly useful for separating seeds based on differences in specific gravity.