The influence of nitrogen level,form, and application method on the growth response ofSpartina alterniflora in North Carolina

The influence of nitrogen level, form, and application method on the growth response of short and tallSpartina alterniflora was determined in a North Carolina salt marsh. The application of various nitrogen levels increased the aerial standing crop of shortSpartina as much as 172%, but had no significant effect on that of the tall form. Band application produced a significantly greater yield response than broadcast application in both height forms. The yield of shortSpartina increased significantly more from ammonium fertilization than from nitrate, while there was no significant effect of nitrogen form on tallSpartina. Band application of ammonium-nitrogen fertilizer significantly increased the yield of shortSpartina more than band application of nitrate-nitrogen and broadcast application of either nitrogen form.