Various factors were tested to determine their effects on natural and planted stands of S. olneyi in coastal marshes ofLouisiana. Factors tested were soil type, water level and salinity, site preparation, planting date, vegetative type, and effects of animal feeding. Burning, tilling, and a combination of burning and tilling were tested as means of site preparation. Tilling alone was the best method tested and burning alone the poorest method; nevertheless, survival in the burned area was almost twice that in the area with no site preparation. Plantings in the fresh, intermediate, brackish and salt marsh showed that a combination of best growth and survival occurred in the intermediate marsh. Growth was equal in 4 soil types tested. Water level was a primary factor affecting growth and survival of stands. Overall growth and survival was best at 2 and 4 inches above the soil surface. Best water salinities for growth were 10 and 5 ppt, but effects of higher water salinities were reduced at deeper water levels. Best monthly survival occurred in December and January plantings each having a survival of 100 percent. Julywas the poorest month with only 47.50 percent of the plants surviving.
