Vetiver grass for soil and water conservation: prospects and problems

This chapter is concerned with the application of a vegetative soil and water conservation technique in particular, namely vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) hedges, for integrated watershed management. The use of vetiver grass ("khus') is said to solve a range of soil and water related problems. Once established, vetiver contour hedges increase in-field sedimentation, while simultaneously reducing the erosivity of runoff. Our investigation of the applicability of vetiver is based on its implementation in semi-arid watersheds in Andhra Pradesh, India. We will attempt to show that the performance of vetiver is very much dependent on management. Nursery techniques, planting, and maintenance all are important factors in determining its performance as a soil and water conservation measure. -from Authors