3^ Planting Date . Little information is available on 

 the planting date for saltmeadow cordgrass, but it appears to behave some- 

 what like bitter panicum. The best planting period is probably late 

 winter and spring, and it can be transplanted into the summer if moisture 

 conditions are favorable. 



4_ Planting Stock . The nature and condition of the 

 planting stock appears to be a major factor in the survival of plantings 

 of saltmeadow cordgrass. Stock must come from vigorous, uncrowded stands. 

 As plants become crowded or starved, their value as transplants declines 

 drastically. Suitable material is difficult to obtain from the wild; 

 therefore, nursery production is necessary. The stems are small and 

 multistem transplants are highly desirable. The number of stems to be 

 used will vary with stem size and stored food content but generally there 

 should be 5 to 10 stems per transplant. These plants are usually too long 

 to machine plant without trimming. Also, due to the larger number of more 

 pliant stems and leaves, more care in trimming is required to avoid pro- 

 blems in feeding through the planter. 



5 Spacing . Spacing should be adjusted to the nature 

 of the site and the objective of the planting. The plant is a less effec- 

 tive sand trapper than the grasses with larger, stiffer stems and leaves 

 which suggests closer spacing. With vigorous plants, adequate nutrients, 

 and favorable moisture, it is quick to establish and cover over. Conse- 

 quently, spacing of 40 to 60 centimeters on centers is probably adequate 

 for single-species plantings on suitable sites. Where a dune ridge is to 

 be built, it should be planted on the same graduated planting pattern 

 described for American beachgrass. 



6^ Fertilization and Management . This plant responds 

 well to nutrient supply. Fertilization is probably the key factor in the 

 success of healthy planting stock. Fertilization should be adjusted to 

 growth and appearance of the grass, but it will usually benefit from 100 

 to 150 kilograms of nitrogen per hectare divided into two or three appli- 

 cations the first year. After that, fertilization can be reduced to a 

 single application for 1 or 2 years, then discontinued until the stand 

 appears to need additional nutrients. 



Saltmeadow cordgrass requires protection from excessive traffic but 

 vigorous stands are considerably more tolerant than most dune plants. It 

 will also tolerate a moderate amount of mowing. This was the major salt- 

 hay species harvested in the past in substantial quantities along the 

 North Atlantic coast. 



(e) Bermuda Grass . This is not a prominent dune species 

 but occasionally occurs naturally in the dune habitat. It can be used 

 very effectively for special purposes along the South Atlantic coast. 

 The hay-type hybrid (Coastal) roots deep in sand, tolerates salt spray 

 and sand accretion, and establishes rapidly on foredunes. It has been 

 used to revegetate areas where American beachgrass had been killed by 

 insects or disease (Fig. 28). This plant covers more rapidly in the 

 spring and summer than others. 



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