seeds do not require moist storage (Webb and Dodd, 1976), Large-scale 

 harvesting and processing of this species could be handled with the same 

 equipment and in a similar manner as many of the cultivated grasses. 

 Small quantities are harvested by hand as with smooth cordgrass. Seed 

 should be stored dry. Storage at low temperature is probably best, 

 although there is no clear-cut evidence to support this, 



(2) Transplants, This plant is plentiful in high marshes and 

 on low sandflats along the Atlantic and gulf coasts, but it is difficult 

 to obtain good planting stock from the wild. Stands on moist sites soon 

 become so dense that harvesting is difficult, and the crowded plants do 

 not make vigorous planting stock. Plants growing on dry, infertile 

 sites lose vigor and survive poorly when transplanted. The best trans- 

 plants are the large culms from rapidly growing, uncrowded young stands; 

 however, obtaining significant quantities of this kind of transplant in 

 most areas will require the establishment of a nursery, 



Saltmeadow cordgrass can be grown as readily inland as on the coast. 

 Plant on a weed-free, sandy soil with a moderately good moisture-holding 

 capacity. The seedbed should be well pulverized, and if needed, fumi- 

 gated with methyl bromide to kill weed seeds. Seed may be used for 

 nursery establishment but transplants are usually more practical. Nurs- 

 ery plantings should be made in late winter or spring. Use one- to 

 three-culm transplants from young, vigorous stands, set 10 to 15 centi- 

 meters deep in moist soil, 45 to 60 centimeters apart in rows. Space 

 rows to allow cultivation, usually 75 to 110 centimeters apart. Fertil- 

 ize at planting. Topdress with nitrogen later if need is indicated by 

 growth and appearance. 



It is usually best to harvest nursery-grown stock after one growing 

 season to avoid the development of overcrowded, less desirable plants. 

 Harvest by loosening individual clumps with a shovel, a tree digger, or 

 a similar tool and then lifting. Saltmeadow cordgrass culms are small 

 even under the best growing conditions; clumps should be divided into 

 four- to eight-culm "plants" for transplanting. Plants may be stacked 

 upright in tubs, baskets, or crates for handling and transport, or 

 bundled in the same way as tree seedlings. Care must be taken to avoid 

 drying and heating. Plants may be heeled-in in moist sand for temporary 

 storage. 



(3) Peat-Pot Seedlings . Saltmeadow cordgrass may be grown in 

 peat pots in the same general way as described for smooth cordgrass. 

 Seeds are scattered over sandfilled 5- to 10-centimeter peat pots and 

 seedlings are fertilized with Hoaglands solution. In view of the ease 

 of field propagation of this species, there appears to be less justifi- 

 cation for this more costly method. However, where salt buildup is 

 likely to interfere with initial establishment, the more intact root 

 systems of the peat pot seedlings should have an advantage. Salt build- 

 up is likely in parts of the saltmeadow cordgrass zone when inundation 



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