Conunercial fertilizer was applied to the surface of the fence and beach- 

 grass plots as needed to encourage growth. Table 2 is a summary of fertilizer 

 applications. Application rates varied from 5 to 25 kilograms per hectare of 

 nitrogen. It is not known whether local groups have continued fertilizer 

 applications. 



Table 2. Fertilizer applications. 



Date 



Types of fertilizer 



Plots fertilized 



Apr. 



1970 



Slow release 



1, 3, 5 



Apr. 



1971 



Slow release 



1, 3, 5 



Aug. 



1971 



Slow release 



1, 3, 5 



Oct. 



1971 



30-10-10 NPK^ 



1, 3, 5 



Apr. 



19 72 



30-10-10 NPK 



1 to 5 



June 



19 72 



30-10-10 NPK 



1 to 5 



Aug. 



19 72 



30-10-10 NPK 



1 to 5 



Sept. 



1972 



30-10-10 NPK 



1 to 5 



Apr. 



1973 



30-10-10 NPK 



1, 2, 4, 5 



Nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium. 



4. Monitoring . 



a. Elevational Surveys . A permanent base line was established roughly 

 parallel to the long axis of the 150-meter test plots. Two cross-sectional 

 profile lines were made across each of the plots during 11 survey periods: 

 April 1970; January, April, and October 1971; February and October 1972; April 

 and June 1973; April 1974; September 1975; and November 1977. Elevations were 

 recorded to the nearest 3.6 centimeters. Profile lines are numbered consecu- 

 tively from south to north.. Lines 1 and 2 traverse plot 1, lines 3 and 4 

 traverse plot 2, etc. (Fig. 7). 



The survey data were analyzed for sand accumulation rates, elevational pro- 

 file changes, and shoreline migration. As a standard for direct comparison of 

 plots, sand accumulation was calculated for an area 23 meters landward and 

 seaward of each plot centerline for surveys up to April 1974 and 30.5 meters 

 from each centerline for 1975 and 1977 surveys. In addition, for the beachgrass 

 plots 1, 3, and 5 lateral spread of vegetation was measured and sand accumulation 

 beneath vegetation was calculated. 



b. Field Observations . Observations of plant growth and the condition of 

 sand fences were recorded during each profile survey. Special damage estimates 

 were also made following severe storms. 



IV. RESULTS 



During this 7-year study (1970 to 1977), Nauset south spit elongated at a 

 rate of more than 100 meters per year. Detailed information on long-term 



15 



