6 Fertilization and Management . Bitter panicum re- 

 sponds to increased nutrients and will benefit from the same fertilizer 

 used for American beachgrass. Fertilizers may also be used to revive or 

 maintain vigor of this species in areas that become sand-starved. No 

 further management requirements for bitter panicum are known in this 

 region. 



(c) Other Species . There are a number of other plant spe- 

 cies that occur on forediones in this region and contribute to dune growth 

 and stability. None of these have been widely used for planting in this 

 zone except for certain specialized purposes. 



Japanese sedge (Carex kobomugi) is useful as a stabilizer on heavy 

 traffic areas in the pioneer zone (Hawk and Sharp, 1967). It resists 

 foot traffic and the sharp-pointed leaves discourage pedestrian traffic; 

 however, it is not very effective as a dune builder. It is propagated 

 in the same manner as American beachgrass and responds the same to 

 fertilizers. 



The Bermuda grass (Tufcote) variety is a good turf-type plant for 

 use on traffic areas near the sea in this region. Sprigs are planted in 

 spring or early summer. It requires more frequent fertilization in the 

 dune habitat than pioneer zone species (see Bermuda grass discussion in 

 the South Atlantic region). 



Coastal panic grass grows well in the pioneer zone. It is a heavy 

 seed producer and can be seeded on the more protected sites, but it does 

 not spread and fill in. It should be used as a secondary stabilizer. 



Weeping lovegrass {Eragrostus aurvuld) can also be seeded in sands 

 but it has about the same limitations as coastal panic grass, and it 

 winterkills along the northern part of the region. 



Other useful species are American dunegrass, Vancouver wildrye 

 {Elymus vanaouverensis) and Volga wildrye (E. giganteus) . 



Secondary plantings should supplement American beachgrass. Rugosa 

 rose {Rosa rugosa) is used for this purpose. Switchgrass (Paniaum 

 virgatwn) can be seeded and shows promise as an accessory. 



(2) South Atlantic Region . 



(a) American Beachgrass . This grass is widely used along 

 the coasts of the Carolinas where it is the most effective initial stabi- 

 lizer. However, it is usually short-lived in this region and should not 

 be planted alone. Adding small amounts of bitter panicum or sea oats 

 will ensure an orderly succession as the beachgrass stand deteriorates. 

 American beachgrass has been grown as far south as northern Florida 

 (Amelia Island) but it is of doubtful value there because of disease 

 and pests. 



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