Vetiver Grass - A Hedge Against Erosion

by John C. Greenfield

This field handbook was first published in 1987. Today it is in its fifth edition. More than 200,000 of these handbooks have been sold or distributed free around the world.

The book has been translated into many languages, TVN Shop is currently selling English, French, Vietnamese and Chinese versions.

The book, commonly called the "Green Book" because of its green cover is about 80 pages and is made up of text and 54 line drawings that describe in detail the applications of Vetiver Grass and how to do apply the technology. Its size is 7x4 inches and will fit into a shirt pocket. It has a strong cover.

About Vetiver Grass

The first edition of "Vetiver Grass- A Hedge Against Erosion" was published 16 years ago. Since that time tens of thousands of copies of the first, second and third and fourth editions have been distributed throughout the world. Thousands more have been translated and published in many different languages, including Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese, Hindi, Gujarati, Thai, Chechewa (Malawi), Bangladeshi and the latest Kiswahili. This small book, commonly called "the green book" has brought hope to tens of thou sands of small farmers in most of the tropical and semi-tropical countries of the world. We hope that this revised edition will bring hope to thousands more.

When John Greenfield first put the book together our focus was primarily on soil and water conservation; since that time as we have leaned more about this remarkable plant through research and practice, and vetiver grass application has been extended to practically every area that involves the management of land related natural resources. There is growing use of Vetiver Systems for land and mine reclamation, stabilization of engineered earthworks (roads, railroads, construction sites), pollution control, and the improvement of water related structures and water quality. Other uses of vetiver are being identified such as its potential for eradicating termites in the southern states of the USA, for medicinal purposes (Cameroon), and for a wide range of commercial industrial uses (Thailand). Another important use of vetiver is its abil ity to mitigate against the destructive forces of hur ricanes and other natural disasters.

The mode of use has also changed. In 1987 we depended on government agencies to promote vetiver. In most instances this was not effective. Today the big promoters of Vetiver Systems are NGOs and a growing number of commercial "landscaping" companies. Farmers are not only using vetiver grass for on farm soil and water conservation, but also are providing "commercial" supplies of vetiver planting material to vetiver users.

In 1987 we had no networks. Today we have over 20, and more are being formed each year. The networks are independent and poor, but are operated by dedicated persons that believe in the technology, and who are prepared to get out and do something so that people know about vetiver grass and its uses. These networks can take great credit for moving the technology forward

Every year we find new uses, new management techniques and many thousands of new users. Vetiver grass is unique and will continue to play a vital role in natural resources management. We hope with the publication of this revised version together with the publication of other dissemination materials by many of the country and regional networks that Vetiver Systems will be used on a greatly expanded basis. Up to date informa tion is always available at The Vetiver Network's web site at https://www.vetiver.org.

The problem of soil and water erosion is greater now than it was 16 years ago for no other reason that there are more people farming, declining farming areas and more construction works as governments expand country infrastruc ture. The latter is a major problem. For example it is estimated that 80% of sediment loss in south China comes from construction sites, roads, railroads, and quarries. Water quantity and quality is declining, and yet no one sees how to resolve the problem. Well we have a solution that could help in a big way if used properly, and that is the Vetiver Grass Hedgerow. It is cheap, effective and easy to use. We don't need to wait for government policy and government funds, instead all we need to do is to get out and use this technology that is available to anyone who wants to use it