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|  | | Vetiver Grass | | Vetiver grass has been an essential weapon in the armoury of Self Help as it seeks to find viable and affordable means of combating the chronic problem of soil erosion in sub-Saharan Africa.
A tropical plant which is common in much of Asia, Vetiver has been a highly effective in not only halting the actual process of erosion resulting from heavy rainfall and harsh climatic conditions – as it has also played an important role in the actual regeneration of areas suffering the effects of desertification.
If planted along contours across a slope, vetiver clumps, which usually stand about 30 cm in diameter and 50-150 cm high will produce tillers, forming what is effectively a green hedge.
This thus makes it capable of trapping crop residues and silts which are eroded by run-off and enables them to naturally form an earth embankment.
Vetiver grass also has a deep thick root system which spreads vertically rather than horizontally, and can therefore efficiently endure harsh conditions.
The roots densely bind together like an underground curtain or wall, enabling it to store water and moisture. However, since the root system expands sideway up to only 50 cm., it imposes no obstacle to the nearby plants and is thus considered an effective measure for soil and water conservation. |
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| | Vetiver hedgerows maintain soil moisture and soil surface and at the same time, are suitable for cultivating along with economic crops. Growing vetiver grass is simple, applicable and money-saving. | | Related Topics | | | | | Approaches & Technologies | | | |
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| | | | | Self Help Africa is a limited liability company. Company number: 105601 Charity No. 6663 (Ireland)
The organisation has offices in Ireland at: Annefield House, Dublin Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois Tel: 00 353 (0)57 8694034 - Fax: 00 353 (0)57 8694038, and in the United Kingdom at : Second Floor Suite, Westgate House, Dickens Court, Off Hills Lane, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY1 1QU. Tel : 0044-(0)1743 277170
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