Project administration
The following part summarizes the results on vetiver experimentation conducted by various agencies.
The fibrous root system of vetiver grass penetrates deep down into the soil at great depth and act as the natural erosion-control barrier. It has the ability to hold soil particles together preventing the loss of topsoil and trapping sediments from water runoff. Consequently, pilot experiments of planting vetiver grass were conducted in several Royal Development Study Centers.
The trials were topographically categorized as follows:
On steep-slope lands, vetiver hedgerows were planted along horizontal gradients and water channels to fight against soil erosion and absorb soil moisture.
On flatlands, vetiver grass was planted in 3 different ways:
around planting beds
1 or 2 rows of vetiver grass inside planting beds
interval with dry crops
Around water reservoirs, vetiver lessens the accumulation of silt in irrigation and drainage canals and implements soil conservation.
Above water reservoirs, vetiver hedgerows form a living barrier filtering toxic substances from flowing down and play an important role in the retention and decontamination of agro-chemicals.