Cutting the Cord Grass

Researchers in the U.K. are trying to combat Cord grass (Spartina anglica) invasion in the Lindisfarne reserve on the Northumbrian coastline, according to this article in The Journal. To gain the upper hand, they are tilling the grass 8 inches under the soil. Over 250 acres of land have been taken over by the Cord grass, which was originally planted there intentionally to prevent soil erosion. The construction of a causeway altered the affects of the tide and created conditions that were ideal for Cord grass invasion. S. anglica is the offspring of a hybrid, which is the offspring itself of the native English S. maritima and the American S. alterniflora.