Figure 6-34. Mechanical Transplanting of American Beachgrass j 



6.442 Spacing . The vulnerability of a site to erosion determines trans- 

 plant spacing and culm number. The more vulnerable a site is to erosion, 

 the greater the number of culms per transplant and the closer the plant 

 spacing. (See Table 6-1.) Also, if dense first-year growth is essential, 

 plant spacing should not exceed 18 inches. 



6.443 Nutrients . Where field tested, beach grasses have responded to 

 supplemental nutrients by increased foliage production. This in turn, 

 provides greater sand-trapping capacity. Rates of fertilizer are provided 

 in Table 6-1. If first-year growth is satisfactory, the fertilizer program 

 may be reduced to fewer applications and less fertilizer. Response of 

 beach grasses to slow-release fertilizers has been varied, and results are 

 inconclusive. (Augustine, et al., 1964; Hawk and Sharp; 1967; Woodhouse 

 and Hanes, 1967.) 



6.444 Seed . American beachgrass can be seeded only on protected sites. 

 Seeding is less expensive than transplanting. However, costs for harvest- 

 ing, chilling and storing seed, plus costs of mulching after seeding, if 

 required, reduce the cost difference. Harvest in the fall from a good 

 stand of American beach grass should yield about 32 pounds of seed to the 

 acre. (Jagschitz, 1960.) After harvest the seed should be chilled at 40°F 

 under moist conditions for 3 to 4 weeks in the northern part of its geo- 

 graphic zone and 2 weeks or less in the southern part. (Seneca, 1969, 



6-44 



