These dataxappear to be in direct contradiction to data recently re- 

 ported (2) from a trial in Delaware, in which single stems were found to be 

 equal to two-stem and three-stem plants. We are at a loss to explain this 

 difference unless the low rate of fertilization (2/3 of the plots received 

 40 pounds nitrogen per acre or less) was the principal limiting factor in 

 the Delaware trial. It is impossible to compare level of production of the 

 Delaware and North Carolina trials since the Delaware results are reported 

 in number of stems (culms). 



c. Topp i ng 



Removal of a portion of the leaf area of beachgrass plants, prior 

 to planting, could be desirable to reduce excessive transpiration and wind 

 whip. A planting made in March 1964 and two others planted in January and 

 February 1965 tested this practice. See data in Table 15. 



These data indicate no advantage for pruning in either survival or 



regrowth. This is not surprising since the observed normal pattern is for 



planted tops to die back to the sand surface shortly after planting with 



essentially all regrowth emerging as new shoots from base of the plant. 



Two other points should be weighed in connection with pruning. With 

 very large plants, there is a distinct advantage in pruning some excess 

 growth to facilitate transport and handling. Pruned stock is easier to get 

 through a planting machine. On the other hand, where blowing sand is avail- 

 able, unpruned tops often trap substantial amounts of sand before new growth 

 emerges in the spring. In critical areas this will, at times, save plants 

 that would otherwise have been blown or washed out before they can become 

 establ i shed. 



TABLE 15 



Effect of Planting Method on First-Year Growth of American Beachgrass 



1964 lb/acre 1965 lb/acre 

 (2 Replications) (3 Replications) 

 Dune Sand Dune Sand Hydrau lie Fi I 



Pruned : 



Topped to average length of 629 1146 980 



15" (about 1/3 of above-ground 

 portion of plant removed). 



Pruned and furrow planted: - 954 1076 



Furrow 6 to 8" deep. 



Unpruned : 



Normal planting 664 1364 989 



35 



