Bermuda grass is also the best species for traffic-resistant turf on 

 dunes. The turf- type hybrids, Tifway and Tif green, perform well in the 

 dune environment when properly managed. The three hybrids are suggested 

 for grassed walks, driveways, and parking areas. 



Sprigging of plants is the usual method of establishment. Spacing 

 is determined by rate of spread desired. For stabilization on bare fore- 

 dune areas, 45 to 60 centimeters on centers is usually adequate. Closer 

 spacing of 30 centimeters or less on centers should be used for turf. 

 Sprigs for use in sand should be 15 to 20 centimeters long and set up- 

 right or at a slight angle with the tip, including some leaves or a 

 joint, protruding above the surface. Sprigging may be done from early 

 spring into summer under favorable moisture conditions. Early planting is 

 usually best on foredunes or where supplemental water is not available. 

 Where turf-type cover is required in a hurry and water is available, 

 "instant" turf can be established by placing strips of sod over the area. 



Bermuda grass has a much higher nutrient requirement than the typical 

 dune grasses. Fertilization is the key to its establishment and mainte- 

 nance. Suggested fertilization to develop plant cover on the foredune is 

 30 to 50 kilograms of nitrogen per hectare at 4-week intervals as soon as 

 new growth begins in the spring through late summer. To develop traffic- 

 resistant turf, SQO to 1,000 kilograms of 10-10-10 fertilizer per hectare 

 should be applied in early spring and followed by 50 to 75 kilograms of 

 nitrogen per hectare at 4-week intervals through late summer. 



The turf hybrids and Coastal variety will tolerate mowing but it 

 should be infrequent and more top growth should be retained here than 

 on inland sites to maintain trapping ability of sand. 



(f) Knot Grass or Seashore Paspalum {Paspalim vaginatum) . 

 This grass is widely distributed along much of the South Atlantic coast 

 where it forms a turf on moist areas along road shoulders, beside ditches, 

 and near dunes. It serves the same purpose on moister sites that Bermuda 

 grass does in drier situations, and it can be propagated and managed in 

 the same way. It spreads naturally into suitable areas rather rapidly 

 and does not usually require planting. 



(g) Seashore Elder (Iva ■imbrioata) . This is the only broad- 

 leaved plant with a potential for building and stabilizing foredunes in 

 this region. It is widely distributed throughout the region, although 

 not generally plentiful. It occurs on backshores, foredunes, swales, 

 back dunes, and in the upper fringe of the salt marsh where it is mixed 

 with marsh elder (J. frutesaens) . It is highly tolerant to saltwater, 

 salt spray, sandblast, and sand accretion. Occasionally, this plant 

 alone builds foredunes (Fig. 29) although it is usually mixed with one 



or more dune grasses. It spreads vegetatively and by seeds, and appears 

 to be increasing. 



Little was known about the ecological or propagation requirements of 

 seashore elder until recently (Colosi and McCormick, 1978). Not enough 



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