cordgrass in propagation requirements but experience is much more 

 limited. Consequently, suggested procedures are preliminary and 

 subject to revision. 



(a) Planting Methods . Planting of Pacific cordgrass 

 to date has all been on soft, fine-textured substrates. Plants were 

 inserted by hand in hand- or dibble-opened holes. Limited attempts 



at mechanization were not encouraging. However, if larger scale plant- 

 ings are made, methods developed for smooth cordgrass could, with minor 

 adaptations, be used with this plant. 



(b) Elevation . Pacific cordgrass is adapted to about 

 the upper half of the tidal range but appears in a stunted form, mixed 

 with pickleweed between MHW and mean higher high water (MHHW) . Where 

 possible, natural stands in the vicinity should be used as guides to 

 determine planting elevations. 



(c) Density . Tests indicate that 0.5- to 1.0-meter 

 spacings of vegetative materials are satisfactory with the closer 

 spacing warranted only where early stabilization is required (Morris 

 and Newcombe, 1978). Differences between a 0.5- and 1.0 meter spacing 

 disappeared by the end of the second growing season. The required 

 density for direct seeding is probably on the same order as for smooth 

 cordgrass, 50 to 100 viable seeds per square meter. 



(d) Planting Date . Morris and Newcombe (1978) trans- 

 planted Pacific cordgrass at monthly intervals and concluded that sur- 

 vival was best for plantings made in the July to December period; growth 

 was best April to August. Early spring planting (April) is preferred 

 for stabilization, but the entire period (April through December) may 



be used for marsh establishment. 



(e) Management . Limited fertilizer tests with Pacific 

 cordgrass on fine-textured substrates have been unproductive. However, 

 this plant will probably respond similarly to other salt marsh species, 

 such as smooth and saltmeadow cordgrasses under nutrient-poor condi- 

 tions. Fertilizers should be tried where deficiencies are suspected. 

 Debris deposited by high tides is a definite hazard to Pacific cordgrass 

 in some locations. Regular inspection and removal should be practiced. 



(4) Black Needle Rush . This plant is an important and exten- 

 sively occurring high marsh species along the Atlantic and gulf coasts. 

 It would be more practical, in most cases, to plant smooth and salt- 

 meadow cordgrasses and rely on natural invasion for the introduction 

 of needle rush. 



(a) Planting Methods, Density, Date, and Management . 

 These are similar to those described for smooth and saltmeadow cord- 

 grasses. 



77 



