3. Planting . 



Vegetative transplants are used for erosion control plantings as direct 

 seeding Is very unlikely to be effective on sites subject to erosion. 

 Vegetative transplant types Include (a) sprigs, stems with attached root 

 material (Fig. 3); (b) pot-grown seedlings; or (c) plugs, root-soil masses 

 containing several intact plants dug from the wild. Sprigs are the least 

 expensive to obtain and easiest to handle, transport, and plant. They may be 

 obtained from field nurseries, planted at least a year in advance, or col- 

 lected from young marshes or the edges of expanding established marshes. Pot- 

 grown seedlings are more expensive to grow and plant, more awkward to handle 

 and transport, but relatively easy to produce and are superior to sprigs for 

 late season plantings. Plugs are the most expensive to obtain, difficult to 

 transport, and should probably be used only when no other sources are avail- 

 able. Plugs are usually necessary only when a dense root mat or cohesive 

 sediments in the harvest area complicate the separation of plants into sprigs. 

 The Soil Conservation Service may be helpful in locating and obtaining plant 

 materials. A Soil Conservation Service State conservationist is located in 

 all the State capitals. 



Figure 3. Smooth cordgrass sprig. 



Requirements for the successful transplanting of salt marsh plants Include 

 (a) opening a hole or burrow deep enough to accommodate the plant, (b) keeping 

 the hole open until the plant can be properly Inserted, (c) inserting the 

 plant to the full depth, (d) closing the opening, and (e) firming the soil 

 around the plant. Three to five sprigs are Inserted in each planting hole. 

 Plugs and pots are planted Individually. Planting must be done during low 

 water when the site is exposed. Hand planting (Fig. 4), using dibbles, 

 spades, and shovels, is the most practical method for small-scale plantings 

 (less than 1 acre). 



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