transplanted into pots). Approximately 10 viable seeds should be applied to 

 the surface of each pot and covered lightly to imbed the seeds. The pots 

 should be irrigated with tapwater and fertilized with 10-10-10 (0.3 to 0.5 

 kilonewtons per hectare) after the seeds have germinated or with slow-release 

 material mixed in the pot. If the seedlings are to be transplanted in a site 

 with salinity above 15 parts per thousand the solution should be adjusted with 

 sodium chloride to maintain a salinity comparable to the proposed planting 

 site (Garbisch, personal communication, 1977). 



(2) Soils . Saltmeadow cordgrass can be planted in cohesive as well 

 as sandy sediments. 



(3) Planting Zones . Saltmeadow cordgrass exhibits an unusual 

 reaction to elevation in that it grows lower into the tidal range from south 

 to north. It is found only well above MHW in Georgia, but extending down into 

 the upper 10 percent of the mean tidal range in Maine, and in an intermediate 

 position on the Delaware coast (Reimold and Ilnthurst, 1977). On the gulf 

 coast it can be established down to MHW (Webb, et al., 1978). Planting 

 elevation for this species should either coincide with that of natural stands 

 in the vicinity, or it should overlap a part of the planting zones for other 

 species planted above and below it. 



(4) Plant ing Den s i t y . On most sites planting on 1-meter centers is 

 adequate for both sprigs and 15-week-old seedlings. This is a density of 

 about 10,000 propagules per hectare. Density can be increased to 0.7- or 0.5- 

 meter centers in critical situations. 



(5) Planting Width . There is no recommended minimum planting width 

 for this species. In general, within practical limits unvegetated areas 

 adjacent to and above the smooth cordgrass planting should be planted. Plants 

 are difficult to establish on the face of eroding banks unless the slope of 

 the bank face is 1 to 5 or more gradual. 



(6) Planting Date. Saltmeadow cordgrass has a rather wide tolerance 

 to time of planting, from late winter to early summer; Gallagher, Plumley, and 

 Wolf (1977) suggest fall planting, but this has not been tested. Late spring 

 is probably the preferred time in most cases. However, where salt buildup is 

 likely, earlier planting is essential. Soil moisture content during and 

 following planting is probably more important for this species than planting 

 date. 



(7) Planting Management . Saltmeadow cordgrass is very responsive to 

 fertilizers under nutrient-poor conditions. Response usually occurs on sandy 

 or peaty substrates but occasionally extends to silts and clays. Under these 

 conditions, fertilizer can be a useful and relatively inexpensive tool in 

 promoting rapid establishment and resistance to wave stress. Where nutrient 

 deficiency is expected, apply 0.3 to 0.5 kilonewton of nitrogen (N) and a 

 similar amount of phosphate (P2O5) per hectare from soluble sources 2 to 4 

 weeks after planting or as soon as new growth appears. Follow at about 6-week 

 intervals with a second and third application of nitrogen. Slow-release 

 materials applied in the planting hole are very effective on this grass, 

 particularly in compact soils. Soluble fertilizers should not be placed in 

 the planting hole because of the risk of salt injury. 



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