How (else) is Vetiver used?
Vetiver develops a stunning mass of deep, strong, fibrous roots and a thick thatch of stiff leaves, characteristics that have led to its extensive use in a variety of areas:
• As an effective, economical bioengineering tool. Used in more than 100 countries in Africa, Asia, Australia and Latin America, Vetiver anchors soil and stabilizes steep slopes while maintaining areas’ natural beauty.
• To absorb contaminants in water and soil. Private companies and municipalities use Vetiver systems to protect and heal degraded environments.
• As a living fence and boundary marker. Vetiver hedges are so stable that surveyors rely on them to establish property lines.
• As a windbreak. Given its natural height, Vetiver hedges protect new or shorter plantings.
• As biofuel. Dry biomass yields exceed 370 ton/ha. per year (Golabi, 2008). Harvested three to four times each year, average production ranges between 120-130 tons/ha. per harvest (Golabi, 2008). Annual yield is generally 10 - 20% higher with four harvests.
Preliminary analysis shows that Vetiver is high in cellulose; major chemical components of its leaves are hemicellulose (ca. 38%) and cellulose (ca. 27%) (Kethacanon et al., 2003). Vetiver leaves can be used as a substrate for ethanol production through alkali pretreatment followed by enzyme hydrolysis and yeast fermentation, which generates an ethanol yield of 13% after one-cycle column distillation (Kuhirun and Punnapayak, 2000).
• To divert water. Vetiver hedges can be configured and installed at strategic points to divert water and slow the velocity of rainfall runoff.
• As a barrier against taggers. A strip of Vetiver growing against a hollow tile or concrete wall will separate even the most determined grafitti artist from his “canvas.”
• As a bioswale. A Vetiver grass channel is an attractive alternative to the traditional concrete drainage ditch, and effectively treats and attenuates stormwater runoff.
• To terrace and contain nutrients. Between slim rows of Vetiver, farmers can grow crops that benefit from the accumulation of silt and plant nutrients. Vetiver’s vertical root system nurtures adjacent crops, and its tall leaves protect saplings from wind.
• To line the banks of fish ponds. Vetiver stabilizes the banks of fish ponds. It thrives in water and prevents the banks from sliding.
• As a constructed wetland. Installed as a leachfield, Vetiver absorbs nutrients generated by cesspools, piggeries, dairy and poultry farms, clarifies effluent, and eliminates odors.
• As a nurse crop. Planners use Vetiver to stabilize, moisturize, and replenish the nutrients in highly degraded areas. Once stabilized, the areas welcome the return of native plants.
• As a carbon sink. Given the concern regarding global warming and CO2 emissions, 44,500 acres of land protected by Vetiver hedges will provide a CO2 sink for the carbon produced by 100,000 cars travelling 12,500 miles/year!
• As livestock feed. Vetiver's nutritional value is similar to Napier grass (Pennisetum pupureum). Apparently Hawaii farmers introduced Vetiver to local cows in the 1940s. The cows didn’t like it. But then they didn’t much like Napier grass, either.
• As an excellent batch material. Mature leaves produce long-lasting absorbent mulch that reduces evaporation and helps mycorrhizae to accumulate. (Quick: close your eyes and spell “mycorrhizae.”)
• As a beautiful ornamental. Landscapers use Vetiver's tall leaves to accent water features and provide height in decorative installations.
• As an insect repellent. Vetiver controls insects, which find its leaves and fragrant roots unappealing.
• As a termiticide. The same highly aromatic fragrance that drives perfumistas wild causes the Formosan ground termite to lose its appetite.
• As a food additive. Vetiver is used domestically in cooking; it’s infused in tea and also used in baking.
• As a fragrance. The cosmetic industry uses Vetiver essential oil and extracts widely. The plant also has medicinal properties.
• As textile. Crafters use both leaves and roots to create an extensive range of beautiful woven handicrafts. Like its sister, bamboo, whose textiles are luxurious, Vetiver would seem suited to producing soft, durable fabric.
To access more than 12,000 pages of Vetiver applications, technical papers, photographs, diagrams, and anecdotal information:
The Vetiver Network (International)
Call us: 808-536-5444