inches (15 to 20 centimeters) deep which contains roots and a number 

 of stems. Plugs can be excavated from existing marshes and trans- 

 planted intact. Collect plugs in cohesive sediments only. An intact 

 root-soil sediment mass cannot be maintained in sandy sediments. 

 Plugs may be planted during any season (except in areas with ice forma- 

 tion) though spring is preferable. Caution against disrupting natural 

 marshes also applies here. 



5. Planting Nursery Seedlings. 



Smooth cordgrass and California cordgrass may be planted using 

 nursery seedlings rooted in peat moss pots. Seedlings have a well- 

 developed, intact root-soil mass for planting in either cohesive or 

 sandy sediments. Seedlings have several advantages. Nursery stock can 

 be (a) held indefinitely in the event of construction delays, (b) planted 

 in most any season, though spring is preferred, and (c) cultivated with a 

 minimum of disturbance to existing marshes. To prepare nursery seedlings, 

 collect and store seed as discussed in Section II. Seeds may be stored 

 up to 8 months. Remove seeds from storage and scatter over the surface 

 of 3- to 5-inch-diameter peat moss pots filled with sand. Apply approxi- 

 mately 10 seeds per pot, scarify lightly, irrigate with tapwater, and 

 apply 10-10-10 fertilizer at 0.25 ounce per square foot after seeds have 

 germinated. 



Seedlings should be grown for at least 3 months before planting. 

 Maintain salinity in the solution comparable to that which will be 

 encountered at the planting site. Planting of both plugs and seedlings 

 is more efficient if holes are opened with an auger. 



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