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Sci Tech
FARMER'S NOTE BOOK
Vetiver technology: rooting out soil erosion problem
M.J. PRABU
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The grass is effective in reducing surface water run off
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— Photo: H. Vibhu
Miracle grass: Mr. P. Haridas, Coordinator, India Vetiver Network in Kerala.
Soil erosion is a serious problem which if left unchecked can have disastrous consequences on our environment. But the problem though important has been little publicized. Every year millions of tonnes of sand and top soil are washed away into the rivers and sea by erosion. There is no way we can replace this soil. If we wait for the natural processes to do the job, it would take centuries.
Silent problem
Yet, because it is a silent problem, few give it the attention it deserves. Though there are many soil conservation measures, the most outstanding of these is the use of Vetiver Grass Technology (VGT), that is cheap, replicable, sustainable and fully effective in stopping erosive degradation and increasing crop yield.
Commenly called as Khus Khus grass, it has been used for soil and water conservation in agricultural lands for many years but its related impact on land stabilization, soil erosion and sediment control only started in the late 1980s following its promotion by the World Bank.
Vetiver belongs to the grass family. It also called as Ilami chamver, Vettiver in Tamil, Ramacham in Malayalam, Vattiveeru in Kannada, Bala, Bena, Khas and Panni in Hindi.
Slow run off
When applied correctly, the technology is very effective on slopes. A well established grass hedge will slow down rainfall run off, spreading it out evenly, and will trap runoff sediments to create natural terraces,” said Mr. P. Haridas, Coordinator, India Vetiver Network, Malappuram, Kerala.
When planted, the grass quickly forms a dense, permanent hedge which will reduce water flow velocity. Its strong fibrous root system penetrates and binds the soil to a depth of 3 meters and can withstand the effects of tunnelling and cracking. It is perennial and requires minimal maintenance.
It will not compete with the crop plants it is used to protect. It has stiff and erect stems which can stand up to relatively deep water flow. Its sharp leaves and aromatic roots repel rodents, snakes and similar pests.
Once established, it is generally unpalatable to livestock. It can withstand drought, flood and long periods of water logging.
It will grow in all types of soil and is highly tolerant to toxic levels in the soil, according to Mr. B.C. Vitoo Aiyamma, former Tata tea planter and member India Vetiver Network.
Tata tea, Tata coffee and Kanna Devan hill plantation company have introduced vetiver for soil and moisture conservation in their plantations in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
“While preparing the planting material, the tillers (A shoot growing from the base of the grass) are usually separated from the main clump. Dig out the clumps of vetiver, cutting the roots off about 20 cm below surface. Cut the leaves about 25-30 cm. above the root and break the clumps into planting pieces or tillers, taking care to discard dead tillers,” said Mr. Haridass.
Moisture necessary
Prepare the area to be planted by cultivating and getting rid of weeds. The area need not be levelled as vetiver tillers are extremely hardy. There should be moisture in the soil while planting the tillers.
The tillers are planted at the rate of 3 per pit and spaced 40 cm apart. In the first two months when the plants are getting established it is necessary to keep the weeds under control.
Once the grass starts growing vigorously, cut the leaf to about 50cm. Cutting encourages tillering and produces more planting material in short periods.
Fertlizer application
The grass grows faster and produces more tillers if fertilizer is applied. “Always plant vetiver during the monsoon to ensure that they get full benefit of rain,” he said.
A spacing of 15-20 cm may be given in order to form a hedge in areas where it is desired. Only a single row of tillers at 3 nos per pit, need to be planted.
Readers can contact Mr. P. Haridas, Coordinator, India Vetiver Network, Thykkat Pannikot House, p.o. Thiruvali- 679 348, Malappuram district, Kerala, email: pottekadharidas@gmail.com, phone: 0483-2721168, mobile: 94470-60057 and Mr. B.C. Vitoo Aiyamma, email: vitootara@hotmail.com, phone: 044-28330432, mobile: 98412-62546.
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