VETIVER SYSTEM – AGRICULTURE
Introductory photo essay: VS_Agriculture.pdf (vetiver.org)
Embedding Vetiver Grass Technology into Farm Systems at Various Scales Under “Tropical”
And “Semi-Arid” Conditions TVN_Webinar_1o.pdf (vetiver.org).
The Vetiver System has many agricultural uses: soil and water conservation, soil moisture improvement, groundwater recharge, recycling soil nutrients, pest control, mulch, forage, cleanup of agricultural contaminated wastewater, protection of farm infrastructure (canals, drains, roads, and building sites). The Vetiver System will reduce soil loss from farmland by as much as 90% and will reduce rainfall runoff by as much as 70%, significantly increasing the effective rainfall available to crops. The impact goes further – groundwater is recharged to the extent that ephemeral streams flow longer and stronger, rejuvenated wetlands, improved wildlife habitat, and enhance soil health and fertility.
For Smallholder Farmers
- Erosion Control on Slopes and Terraces
Vetiver hedgerows stabilize soil and reduce runoff, protecting crops and preserving fertility. - Water Retention and Drought Resilience
Vetiver improves infiltration and moisture retention, critical for rainfed agriculture. - Low-Cost Inputs and Organic Integration
Easily propagated and maintained, vetiver fits into and becomes an important component of agroecological and organic systems that can be productive with zero or minimal purchased agro-chemicals. - Income Diversification
Vetiver roots and leaves can be used for handicrafts, mulch, essential oils, thatching, forage and be propagated for the vetiver plant material market.
From Charles Mlambo, Kenya: Charles M. writes… “over time (5 to 6 years), it is very easy to see how vetiver has changed the gradient/slopes by holding soil and reducing rain water runoff. My land was full of stones but now it has regenerated its top soil. I also cut the vetiver and use it as mulch for my crops. This has increased organic matter and the water holding capacity on my farm. I believe the widespread use of vetiver could be transformative for Kenya agriculture. I welcome anyone who would like to learn about vetiver and its corrective action, to visit to my farm in Tala, Machakos county (annual rainfall 800mm), Kenya”. The original vetiver hedges were designed and planted under the supervision of Christian Makokha ..“I set up contours on farm I think in 2020 and Charles M has a story to tell and a farm to show how Vetiver grass can build up eroded land within short time. He has offered his farm to be demo center and he has promoted Vetiver grass to others farm across
For Large-Scale Farms and Estates
In addition to small farm uses, applications for larger production units include:
- Infrastructure Protection
Stabilizes roads, canals, and embankments, reducing maintenance costs and disaster risk. - Wastewater Treatment and Land Rehabilitation
Vetiver filters contaminants and restores degraded lands, supporting sustainable land management. - Windbreaks and Pest Barriers
Acts as a natural shield against wind and pests (beneficial insects and dead end trap crop), reducing chemical inputs. - Carbon Sequestration and Climate Adaptation
Deep roots store carbon and improve soil structure, contributing to climate-smart agriculture.
A good example of multi-purpose applications of the Vetiver System a large farm is from Madagascar – — Savonnerie Tropicale Huilerie de Melville (STHM) is the only certified organic palm oil plantation in Mascareignes Island and running a mill to manufacture certified Organic Crude Palm Oil on the East coast of Madagascar. The plantation, 3,000 ha of land, has 180 km of road, 80 km of drains, and 30 km of riverbank. Vetiver, Chrysopogon zizanioides (South India type – sterile) was introduced in 2004 for soil and moisture conservation, and in particularly for drainage protection. Since then, STHM has extended the use vetiver for many activities such as riverbank protection, slopes stabilization, mulching…… This unique plant, introduced in 2004 to the plantation to reduce erosion, increase soil moisture and to stabilize waterway protection. In 2005, STHM started serious work with Vetiver with the intention of substituting previous used costly cement and rock “hard systems” with vetiver’s fibrous and massive root system thus saving significant expenditures.
In 2007, STHM used vetiver on “Ivondro” riverbank protection, following the company’s successful experience in drainage and waterway stabilization. Since 2008 STHM has supplied high quality vetiver to other companies for organic essentials oils, soil moisture conservation, groundwater recharge, and slope protection. STHM is currently testing VS for treating Pam Oil Mill Effluent (POME). TVNI has certified STHM as proficient in Nursery Propagation and Supply, Social and Water Conservation and Extension. STHM’s submission for certification is available and should be interesting for existing and potential vetiver users.
Photos 3 & 4 above. New vetiver plantings on <1% slope on black vertisols in Zimbabwe (Graham Dabbs) for soil and moisture conservation purposes subject to serious erosion and flooding under extreme weather conditions. These hedgerows are protecting small outreach African farms.
“Vetiver – A Farmer’s Friend” in Spanish with English subtitles has now been audio dubbed in Hindi (maintaining the English subtitles). Accessible at: https://youtu.be/-nvyJ9fu-d8
The most important applications and uses of vetiver grass for farms are described in more detail at: