occurrence of damaging storms and the initiation of large projects. 

 Since it is difficult to hold planting stock in the nursery more than 

 1 or 2 years, commercial producers do not usually keep large stocks on 

 hand. This makes planning essential to the successful planting of large 

 proj ects. 



(1) American Beachgrass . This plant is relatively easy to pro- 

 duce under nursery conditions. It can be multiplied either vegetatively 

 or by seeds, but the vegetative method is normally preferred (Fig. 22). 

 Direct seeding is usually uneconomical because seed supplies are un- 

 reliable and weeds are difficult to control in seedling stands. 



If % . '^ « 



Figure 22. American beachgrass nursery midway in the first 

 growing season. 



(a) Soil Selection . Any well-drained soil may be used 

 and it is not necessary that the site be near the sea. ^ Production of 

 American beachgrass will be higher on the more productive soil and both 

 planting and harvesting are easier on soils of a sandy nature (sands, 

 sandy loams, and sandy clay loams) than on heavier soil. Since weed 

 control often presents the greatest difficulty, emphasis should be 

 placed on selecting relatively weed-free fields. 



(b) Soil Preparation . A well-pulverized seedbed, suitable 

 for the planting of normal field crops, is necessary to facilitate trans- 

 planting. Hard or cloddy seedbeds in heavy soils will lead to shallow 

 planting and interfere with firming of the soil around the plants. At 



44 



