Vetiver grass system or Vetiver grass technology

Type: Technologies

Creation: 2011-03-16 13:27   Updated: 2019-09-05 15:57

Compilers: Philippine Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies

Reviewers: Deborah Niggli, Alexandra Gavilano

Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment
  • Country: Philippines
  • Region/ State/ Province: Leyte
  • Further specification of location (e.g. municipality, town, etc.), if relevant: Leyte
  • Map: View Map

Description of the SLM Technology

Short description of the Technology

Vetiver grass used as contour hedgerows in sloping agricultural land used for annual crops.

Detailed description of the Technology

Vetiver grass is easy to propagate and establish as hedgerow. It is adopted to a wide range of soil and climatic condition. When planted correctly, vetiver grass will form a dense permanent hedge in one year. It has a strong root system that penetrates and binds the soil. Vetiver grass is perennial and requires minimal maintenance. It will not spread to the alleys since it does not multiply by rhizomes nor from seeds. Compare with other grass, it does not compete much with the crops it is protecting. Vetiver crown is below the ground surface which helps protect the plant against fire and overgrazing. Its leaves and roots are resistannt to insects and diseases. Vetiver can withstand, drought, flood and long period of water logging.

Photos of the Technology

Image Hedgerow of full grown vetiver grass
Hedgerow of full grown vetiver grass
  • 📍 Leyte, Philippines
  • 📷 Edwin Balbarino
Image Sweet potato farm with vetiver grass hedgerow
Sweet potato farm with vetiver grass hedgerow
  • 📍 Leyte, Philippines
  • 📷 Edwin Balbarino
Image Peanut farm with vetiver hedgerow
Peanut farm with vetiver hedgerow
  • 📍 Leyte, Philippines
  • 📷 Edwin Balbarino
Image Cassava farm with vetiver hedgerow
Cassava farm with vetiver hedgerow
  • 📍 Leyte, Philippines
  • 📷 Edwin Balbarino