andy bradford vetiver, the miracle grass vetiver zizanioides
TRANSCRIPT
Andy BradfordVetiver, the miracle grass
Vetiver zizanioides
Vetiver, the miracle grass
Content• Morphological characteristics
• Physiological characteristics
• Ecological characteristics
• Uses & Strategies
• Advantages
• Disadvantages
• Conclusion
Morphological Characteristics
• Massive finely structured root system
• Fast growing (rooting depth 34m)
• Stiff and upright stem
• Tolerant of relatively deep water
• Grows into dense hedges
• New shoots emerge from base
• New roots develop from nodes
Physiological Characteristics
• Tolerance to extreme climatic variation– prolonged drought, flood, submergence &
extreme temperature (14oC to 55oC)
• Highly tolerant to adverse soil conditions– soil salinity, sodicity, acidity (pH range 3,0 to
10,5), aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, copper, chromium, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, selenium & zinc
Ecological Characteristics
• Highly intolerant to shading, reduces growth & may eliminate plant
• Best suited to open ground• Weed control during establishment• Pioneer plant on disturbed lands• Trees & shrubs will shade out vetiver, but
will then replace vetiver as the main stabilizing agent
Uses & Strategies
• Reduces runoff & soil erosion
• Conserves soil moisture
• Sediment Trap
• Stabilizers slopes, banks, terraces & gullies
• Protects masonry terraces, road edges, river banks, aqueducts, bridges & irrigation channels
• Thatching material
• Rehabilitation of toxic lands
Vetiver OilThe essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the chopped, dried and soaked roots and rootlets.
One of the most earthy essential oils - use when you are overusing your brain or mental capacities or when you feel spaced out. It is a wonderful anti-stress oil and a strengthener when the body is debilitated.
Possible Uses
Acne, arthritis, cuts, depression, exhaustion, insomnia, muscular aches, oily skin, rheumatism, sores, stress.
Advantages
• Very simple, practical & inexpensive
• Low maintenance
• Very effective means of – soil & water conservation, sediment control, land
stabilization & rehabilitation
• Multiple uses
• Environmental friendly
Does it offer a miracle solution?
Disadvantages
• Seed easily spread in the wind– may become a weed, infesting an area
• Unpalatable to livestock (unsuitable fodder)
• Not suitable for human consumption
• Not a suitable option for small holdings
• Oil extraction unlikely option for poor farmers
• Lower stabilizing qualities than trees & shrubs
• World Bank publicity campaign