New stands will often benefit from the application of 100 to 150 

 kilograms of nitrogen per hectare and 30 to 50 kilograms of phosphate 

 per hectare the first growing season. Application should begin as soon 

 as new growth emerges and the total for the year should be divided into 

 two or three applications spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Fertilization after 

 the first year should be adjusted to growth and appearance of the plants. 

 It is not needed with substantial sand accumulation. Excessive fertili- 

 zation is wasteful and may be harmful. 



The same general principles apply to sand-starved stands. Poor stands 

 will benefit from up to 150 kilograms of nitrogen per hectare and 30 to 

 50 kilograms of phosphate per hectare annually divided into two or three 

 applications each year for 2 or 3 years. Stands that have not seriously 

 declined may be maintained with an application of 30 to 50 kilograms of 

 nitrogen applied in early spring, at intervals of 1 or more years. Fer- 

 tilization practice should always be adjusted to the growth and appear- 

 ance of the grass. Excessive growth may mat down and promote disease 

 and plant loss. 



Where fertilizers containing suitable ratios of nitrogen and phosphate 

 are not available, complete fertilizers such as 10-10-10 may be used to 

 supply all of the phosphate and part of the nitrogen and alternated with 

 one or two applications of ammonium nitrate to supply the desired total 

 nitrogen. The potassium in the 10-10-10 is of no value in the salt spray 

 zone, but it will do no harm. 



Fully established American beachgrass stands require protection from 

 foot and vehicular traffic, and occasionally replanting of breaks that 

 might lead to blowouts. This grass will tolerate moderate foot traffic 

 but little vehicular traffic. Suitable ramps and walkways should be pro- 

 vided where this traffic is expected. These structures should be elevated 

 to permit growth under them. Accumulation of dead leaves and stems in 

 established stands of American beachgrass can create a fire hazard during 

 the winter and early spring. However, this grass will tolerate burning 

 during this period. Controlled burning may be advisable to reduce wild- 

 fire hazard or to control pests. American beachgrass will also tolerate 

 occasional mowing. However, if repeated mowing is required, a different 

 grass should be planted. 



In this region, American beachgrass may be killed by Marasmius blight 

 or by the soft scale, Erioooaaus oapolinae. This grass is most vulner- 

 able when stands are 2 or more years old and active sand accumulation is 

 light or absent. Given these conditions, these pests can effectively 

 eliminate this grass from sizable areas and may cause a serious loss of 

 protective cover in a monospecific stand. American beachgrass should not 

 be replanted in affected areas. Replant with bitter panicum, sea oats, 

 or Bermuda grass. 



(b) Bitter Panicum . This plant is increasing along the 

 South Atlantic coast. It seldom produces viable seeds, so to spread in- 

 to new areas is slow and sporadic, and is readily propagated vegetatively. 



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