Vetiver System
How to plant
Implementing the Vetiver System: A Guide
The Vetiver System (VS) represents a powerful tool in sustainable land management, soil and water conservation, and natural disaster mitigation. Implementing this system involves understanding the propagation, nursery establishment, and planting techniques of Vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides), a robust plant known for its deep root system and adaptability to various environmental conditions. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the steps involved in effectively implementing the Vetiver System.
1. Understanding Vetiver Grass
Before delving into the propagation and planting of Vetiver, it’s essential to recognize the unique characteristics of Vetiver grass that make it suitable for environmental protection and rehabilitation. Vetiver is known for its deep, dense root system, which can reach depths of up to 3 meters, providing soil stabilization and reducing erosion. It’s also tolerant to extreme weather conditions, water levels, and soil types.
2. Vetiver Nursery Establishment
Establishing a Vetiver nursery is a critical step in implementing the Vetiver System. The nursery provides high-quality planting materials needed for large-scale applications. Key considerations for nursery setup include:
- Soil Type: Sandy loam to loam soils are preferred for easy harvesting and minimal root damage. Heavy clay should be avoided.
- Topography: Slightly sloping land prevents water logging. Ensure proper water management on flat sites to avoid young plantlet growth inhibition.
- Shading: Vetiver thrives in open spaces. Partially shaded areas can be used, but growth may be affected.
- Planting Layout: Arrange in long, neat rows across the slope to facilitate mechanical harvesting.
- Irrigation: Overhead irrigation is recommended initially to ensure even water distribution. Flood irrigation can be applied to more mature plants.
3. Field Planting and Management
The core method for improving soil stability involves the strategic placement of vetiver through the establishment of one or more hedgerows along the countour line of the landscape.
Proper field planting and management are crucial for the success of the Vetiver System. Considerations include:
- Site Preparation: Ensure the site is clear of weeds and the soil is adequately prepared to receive the Vetiver slips or plantlets.
- Spacing and Alignment: Plant Vetiver hedgerows along contours for erosion control or strategically for stabilization and disaster mitigation.
- Maintenance: Regular watering, weed control, and monitoring are essential in the early stages to ensure successful establishment.
I can’t over emphasize the need to use quality vetiver plant material both from nurseries and at the time of planting, PLUS the correct planting at the project site according to design requirements. QUALITY leads to success and more potential users – POOR QUALITY results in failure and the down grading of vetiver as being just another grass. Vetiver is not just “another grass”, it is a unique plant in its characteristics and attributes. We need to make sure that people understand that it is. Attached image of quality vetiver slips ready for planting — success starts with the QUALITY of what is planted in the ground!
-- Dick Grimshaw--
4. Propagation Methods
Vetiver is propagated vegetatively due to its sterile nature, ensuring it doesn’t become invasive. Common propagation methods include:
- Splitting Mature Tillers: This involves separating tillers from the mother plant, ensuring each slip has 2-3 tillers and part of the crown. Treatments like rooting hormones or manure slurry can enhance growth.
- Culm and Crown Propagation: Using culms (stems) and crowns (base of the plant) can also be effective. Culms should be cut into lengths with nodes, as new shoots emerge from these nodes under moist conditions.
5. Planting Material Preparation
Once the plantlets or slips are ready, they can be prepared for field planting. Two common approaches are:
- Polybags or Tube Stock: Plantlets or slips are grown in small pots or bags with a mix of soil and potting medium for 3-6 weeks until new tillers appear.
- Planting Strips: An efficient method for large-scale planting, especially on challenging sites like steep slopes. Slips are planted in long furrows of a medium that facilitates easy transportation and planting.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation
Continuous monitoring is vital to assess the growth, coverage, and effectiveness of the Vetiver System in achieving its intended goals, such as erosion control, slope stabilization, or water quality improvement. Adjustments in management practices may be necessary based on observations and outcomes.
Conclusion
Implementing the Vetiver System is a multifaceted process that requires careful planning, from nursery establishment to field planting and management. Its success hinges on understanding Vetiver’s growth requirements and characteristics, selecting appropriate propagation and planting techniques, and diligent maintenance and monitoring. With these considerations, the Vetiver System can serve as a sustainable solution to various environmental challenge