Vetiver Benefits
Vetiver Essentials
VETIVER GRASS (Chrysopogon Zizanioides)
- Is a low cost, readily available, easy to use, effective and long lasting green grass particularly suitable to tropical climates.
- Is sterile and therefore non-invasive. Propagation is by root division. The vertical roots do not compete with nearby crops
- Has been known to live over 60 yrs
- Is a perennial that forms a dense hedge when planted close together. Hedges have been known to live for close to 100 years.
- Is drought resistant & can tolerate a wide range of soils, including saline & water-logged, disliking only heavy shade.
- Slows down water flow & spreads run-off, trapping sediment & creating terraces when planted on contour.
- Breaks up hard-pan & recharges groundwater.
- Can be used to protect coastal areas from erosion, tidal surge.
- Can be used to stabilize river banks, preventing flooding.
- Produces massive biomass for use as mulch, building up organic matter over time. Also used as bedding and fodder.
- The roots can reach depths of 15ft & can grow 10ft in 2 years, increasing soil microbial activity & sequestering carbon.
- Can be used as a primary purifier of waste water & livestock effluent, mitigating fresh water pollution & improving water quality.
- Can stabilize infrastructure & mitigate landslides & road collapse due to heavy rains & floods.
- Is fire-resistant, the culms grow below the surface & regenerate new growth quickly, within three weeks after a fire.
- Both leaves and roots can be used for handicrafts, perfume, essential oil, insect repellent, roof thatching & charcoal briquettes