APPENDIX B 



DESCRIPTION OF PLANTING METHODS 



1. Site Preparation . 



Planting areas should be sloped to 1 on 15 or less for seeding pro- 

 jects. Areas to be planted with sprigs, plugs, and nursery seedlings 

 should be sloped as gradual as practicable. 



2. Seeding . 



Seeding is recommended for only smooth cordgrass and California 

 cordgrass. Methods for planting these are similar. The seeds are ready 

 for harvest as early as September in northern latitudes and as late as 

 November in southern areas. Seed-producing stands should be examined 

 periodically during appropriate months. When seeds are easily dislodged 

 by grasping the seed head, harvesting should begin. To harvest, clip 

 seed head from adult plant. After harvesting, store collected material 

 2 weeks in moist condition, thresh, and store in cold (39° Fahrenheit, 

 4° Celsius), brackish water. Broadcast at low water during late winter 

 or spring (February through April in southern latitudes (south of latitude 

 37° N.) and March through May in northern latitudes. Cover seeds with 

 one-half inch or less of tillage. Standard agricultural equipment may 

 be used to harvest and broadcast seed. Generally, such equipment re- 

 quires modification to achieve mobility in marsh substrates. 



3. Planting Sprigs . 



A sprigging technique can be used to plant all of the species dis- 

 cussed. A sprig is a part of a plant consisting of at least one node 

 (joint of a stem from which the leaves arise) with attached stems and 

 roots. To obtain sprigs, dig plants from existing marshes or "nurseries" 

 established for this purpose and separate them. (CAUTION. --this activity 

 is potentially damaging to existing, natural marshes. Avoid disruption 

 of areas subject to erosion.) Obtaining and separating sprigs is much 

 more efficient in sandy substrates and in young stands where dense root 

 systems have not yet formed. Sprigs must be kept moist until planting 

 and may be heeled-in (base of the plant covered with sediment but leaves 

 and stems exposed) for several days in an intertidal area. (Do not allow 

 plants to overheat by covering or keeping in closed containers.) To. 

 plant, open a hole 4 to 6 inches in depth, insert the sprig, and firm the 

 soil. Early spring is optimal for planting, although moderate success 

 can be obtained in other seasons. A modified tobacco planter may be 

 used to increase planting efficiency on sandy sediments. 



4. Planting Plugs. 



Plugs may be used to plant California cordgrass. A plug is, a root- 

 soil mass, 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in diameter and 6 to 8 



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