at the beginning, but after some trial and error, a minimum size of 8 x 50 

 feet was adopted. Much larger plots were used where the purpose was pri- 

 marily demonstrat iona I . 



Since the beach is the primary source of blowing sand in these areas, 

 it has been found essential that the long dimension of the individual plot 

 be oriented perpendicular to the shorel i ne to avoid large amounts of un- 

 controlled variation due to sand accumulation. 



Border effects from the application of standard fertilizer materials 

 are surprisingly small in view of the extremely windy conditions prevailing. 

 On three-year-old plots, this effect has quite obviously been confined to a 

 strip about 24 to 30 inches wide around each plot. Apparently, the ferti- 

 I izer materials, being hygroscopic, soon stick to the sand particles and 

 do not move thereafter unless the sand moves. Normally, there is little or 

 no movement by either wind or water from within we I I -vegetated areas. It 

 has been found advisable to use pel leted or granular materials since it is 

 almost impossible to apply dusty fertilizer without some blowing. 



c. Fert i I i zer Mater ia I s 



Ammonium nitrate, concentrated superphosphate, and muriate of 

 potash were used as the standard sources of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), 

 and Potassium (K), respectively. The normal method of application of these 

 materials was to broadcast them on the surface, either by hand or with a 

 sma I I spreader. 



3. DUNE AND BEACH PLANTS 



Attention in this study, to date, has been confined primarily to the 

 most critical areas along the Banks, generally a zone extending 500 to 600 

 feet back from the high tide mark with an elevation of only 4 to 6 feet 

 above mean sea level except for the foredune, where it exists, which may be 

 as high as 12 to 14 feet above mean sea level. 



It has not yet been convenient to make any very direct comparisons 

 between species. However, during the past five years, observations have 

 been made as to the adaptation and behavior of the plants that are present 

 in the area. 



Perennial grasses are the only plants in this zone that appear to make 

 a substantial contribution in trapping and binding sand. Some annuals, 

 especial ly sea rocket, Cak-ile edentuia, and beach pea, Stropho styles hevola, 

 are temporarily effective. Other annuals and perennials invade and help to 

 cover areas that have first been fairly well stabilized by perennial grasses. 

 Frequent exposure to salt spray results from the generally low elevation and 

 absence of large dunes, and appears to be a major factor discouraging the 

 woody plants, such as yaupon, myrtle, silverling, live oak and red cedar. 



At present, there are four grasses growing on the Banks which appear 

 to show real promise in this critical zone. These are American beachgrass 



