Pre-Announcement: PanAmerican Vetiver System Conference – Veracruz, Mexico, November 2025 — Building a Sustainable Future for the 
Americas with the Vetiver System
Americas with the Vetiver SystemThis event will explore the transformative potential of the Vetiver System (VS) in addressing critical sustainability challenges across Latin America and beyond. The conference will serve as a unique platform for international collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the generation of innovative, practical solutions for the Americas. See more
Vetiver System in Latin America
When traveling back from an international soils conference held at Oaxaca, Mexico in 1994, I happened to sit behind Oscar Rodriguez of Venezuela. We struck up a conversation and he agreed to establish a vetiver network in Venezuela with support of a $10,000 grant from TVNI. At about the same time Jim Smyle and his wife Joan Miller who had been posted by the World Bank to Costa Rica set up the Latin America Vetiver Network (paper about the network), currently under the directorship of Rafael Luque of Venezuela. June Slinger working for the World Bank at that time also wrote this review ” Spreading the Slips of Vetiver grass technology: A lesson in technology diffusion from Latin America.” There is a lot in this paper that is very relevant for the promotion and application of VGT in our present time. Recommended reading.
Since the mid 1990s the technology has spread to most Central and South American countries and vetiver based companies have been established to support the promotion and application of the technology – primarily focused on bioengineering and slope stabilization – where some excellent applications, particularly in bio-engineering, have been made. The region has hosted one international conference – ICV4 (Caracas, Venezuela, 2006) and two regional conferences – LAICVS1 (Santiago, Chile, 2010) and LAICVS 2 (Medelin, Colombia,2013). All three conferences were instrumental in VGT science and promotion. More recently interest has been growing in embedding vetiver into farm systems particularly in association with perennial tree crops. The use of vetiver’s large biomass as mulch is expanding resulting in soil improvement, reduced soil temperatures, and better soil and moisture conservation. Vetiver is being used for riverbank stabilization, urban landscaping (see this short video by Yorlene Cruz), pollution mitigation, and many other applications. There is much happening with vetiver in Latin America and we would like to hear more from the region about the experience.
Vetiver Podcasts.
We are starting a podcasting series on vetiver. Currently they can be found at this page. The initial podcasts are generated by AI based on some selected TVNI documents of interest. The audio is excellent and accuracy is generally good. Two of the podcasts are also in video format, backed by photographs — Vetiver Grass A Hedge Against Erosion and Vetiver Grass Technology for farm application. These podcasts would be useful when introducing Vetiver Grass Technology to the general public and local communities
News from our partners
China: Guangzhou Vetiver Ecological Engineering Technology Co., Ltd
The leading vetiver services company in China, directed and managed by Feng Ziyuan (King of Thailand Award recipient), has reorganized the original “Guangzhou Vetiver Ecological Technology Co., Ltd.” and now named “Guangzhou Vetiver Ecological Engineering Technology Co., Ltd.” with a new “Vetiver Ecological Technology” team is established with professionals across various fields. Since Feng received the “Senior Technical Advisor” appointment from TVNI, several state-owned enterprises have sought cooperation in promoting vetiver. The team focuses on soil stabilization, slope protection, vetiver floating islands, and tail water treatment. It plans to plant 40 to 50 hectares (equivalent to 2-3 million plants) of vetiver this year. Feng Ziyuan, now fully recovered from COVID restrictions and illness, is taking his company to new heights. His slope stabilization work was featured on TVNI’s website at this link, and his ICV7 presentations are listed here.
China Vetiver Network (CVN)
Founded in 1997, CVN was one of the first vetiver networks established with funding from TVNI at the China Institute of Soil Science, Nanjing. Liyu Xu has coordinated CVN since its inception. IThe network focuses on promoting the science and application of the Vetiver System in China. Recently, CVN created a presentation highlighting its work and applications. Liyu Xu coauthored a paper on China vetiver research over the past decade, noting the plant’s potential in soil and water conservation, biological engineering, environmental protection, and agricultural pest control. The paper reviews research progress, discusses application effects under different conditions, and explores future research directions to address global environmental challenges. A third paper (2015), that we may have missed, discusses whether vetiver has potential for
weediness in China:
.. “The Vetiver Grass Technology (VGT) was introduced to China in 1988 by Mr. Richard Grimshaw. VGT is an advanced eco-engineering and phytoremediation technology utilized for soil and water conservation, environmental protection, habitat restoration, disaster management, and pollution control. Over the past two decades, VGT has been implemented in more than a dozen provinces in southern China, yielding significant ecological and social benefits. Historically, vetiver grass existed in Hainan, Guangdong, and Fujian long before its formal introduction in 1988, dating back to 1936. However, there remains inconclusive evidence as to whether vetiver is indigenous to China or imported from abroad. Currently, the global reproduction method for cultivated vetiver is through asexual means through “clump” division. In China, there have been no instance of vetiver spreading uncontrollably or repelling native species. On the contrary, vetiver enhances harsh habitat conditions, thereby benefiting the growth of other native flora. This ultimately leads to vetiver’s reduction or disappearance due to its poor shade tolerance. Moreover, vetiver is particularly sensitive to herbicides, such as glysophate, which can effectively eradicate vetiver. Therefore, there is no scientific basis to classify vetiver as an alien invasive species or to assert that it has the potential to become a weed.”
In a recent communication with Liyu Xu,he suggested that most of the “wild” vetiver may in fact be domesticated vetiver for oil production prior to 1988 when VGT and Vetiver System was introduced. In any event the paper is a good example of vetiver over a period of nearly 70 years not showing any sign of invasiveness.
Kenya
It is really encouraging to see the expansion of vetiver in Kenya. Even better that there are now sufficient “vetiver activists” using vetiver and actively searching for ways to develop community driven vetiver programs.
Charles M. writes… “over time (5 to 6 years), it is very easy to see how vetiver has changed the gradient/slopes by holding soil and reducing rain water runoff. My land was full of stones but now it has regenerated its top soil. I also cut the vetiver and use it as mulch for my crops. This has increased organic matter and the water holding capacity on my farm. I believe the widespread use of vetiver could be transformative for Kenya agriculture. I welcome anyone who would like to learn about vetiver and its corrective action to visit to my farm in Tala, Machakos county,Kenya”. The original vetiver hedges were designed and planted under the supervision of Christian Makokha ..“I set up contours on farm I think in 2020 and Charles M has a story tell and a farm to show how Vetiver grass can build up eroded land within short time. He has offered his farm to be demo center and he has promoted Vetiver grass to others farm across Kenya.” Machakos county has an annual rainfall of 830 mm.
Part of the growing interest in vetiver by Kenyan farmers is due knowledge sharing on two Kenyan vetiver related social media platforms on Whatsapp “Vetiver in Kenya” and Facebook “Vetiver in Kenya” Here are some recent comments:
“It’s vital to think about opportunity cost. Communities have competing priorities for land use. And often times they will also ask if the value from Vetiver is more than the alternative crop or land use they might pursue. it’s not just planting Vetiver, but thinking through the benefits along the value chain” – Peter Kingori
“Good to engage communities from the outset—and securing the buy-in of local leaders and governing institutions—we create an enabling environment for Vetiver systems to thrive. This not only boosts the technical success of interventions, but also fosters long-term sustainability, local ownership, and collective responsibility for protecting and restoring the land” – Peter Kingori
“I remember when I restored gullies in Wundanyi, the local communities were very interested in the system and learned how to restore gullies using vetiver. Then came the corrupt government officials! They gave a bad report and resorted to embrace gabions for other gullies! Agricultural institutions need to embrace Vetiver Systems, the current extension officers are rooted in the fanya juu system and most are not so willing to adopt new innovations. But yes, we keep working with communities and individual farmers who become transformers of their communities”. – Jane Wegesa Fraser
I did something which is very unique . I have turned the whole of my farm into Vetiver regenerative farm. Over the past two years l have been expanding Vetiver hedgerows in my farm . My Mom gave me 3 acres of land and l have turned it into vetiver integrated farm with, coffee, nitrogen fixing trees and cover crops..l think it is the largest farm where Vetiver is planted. Between the rows of trees are different crops covering the whole farm. l have realized that coffee does not need too many trees … it doesn’t flower well with total shade .it needs sixty percent sunlight . Coffee does well with vetiver mulch. l found the same with many fruit trees such as avocado, mangoes and bananas. – Caleb Omolo.
Research
Significance of Vetiver Grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) in Coffee-Based Farming System of Ethiopia (A Review) full paper
… Most coffee-growing areas of Ethiopia are steep and gently sloping regions that require terracing and erosion control measures. The Jimma Agricultural Research Center (JARC) of the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research introduced vetiver grass for the first time to JARC, Ethiopia. The coffee research center has highlighted the adaptability of vetiver to extreme and diverse ecological and soil conditions. Research from JARC has shown that rainfall runoff is significantly reduced by using vetiver hedges; even on bare land, soil loss is dramatically reduced by the third year of establishment. Research conducted in other parts of the world indicated that improved soil moisture retention and soil fertility preservation lead to significant crop yield increases of 30-50 percent when farmers use vetiver hedgerows. Ethiopian farmers and modern coffee farms also benefit from using vetiver as mulch, which improves soil organic matter and nutrient recycling. Different coffee farms are adopting the technology for treating effluent discharged from coffee pulp. The significance of vetiver grass in Ethiopian agriculture benefits conservation efforts and is becoming important in coffee production due to its diverse value in the sector.
Combined use of CS-137 and BE-7 to assess the effectiveness of soil conservation for vetiver grass strips in coffee crop lands in the Central Highlands (Vietnam)
By using Vetiver strips as a soil conservation technology, soil erosion was almost controlled and the net erosion rate was reduced 14 times compared with the control, from 32.7 t ha /year to 2.3 t ha/year. Full paper
Microbiology Associated with the Vetiver Plant
Vetiver has the remarkable ability to grow and thrive even in nutrient-poor soils, without the need for nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizers. This raises the question: from where does it obtain the essential nutrients for its development? Research suggests that soil microbes play a crucial role in supporting vetiver’s growth. In the area surrounding its roots, known as the “rhizosphere soil,” various heterotrophic microorganisms flourish, stimulating bacterial activity. These microbes often colonize the root surface, facilitating nutrient exchange between the plant and the soil. At the same time, vetiver roots release soluble organic carbon compounds, such as polysaccharides, which aid in microbial metabolism and adaptation. Key microbial groups associated with vetiver roots include nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphate-solubilizing microbes, mycorrhizal fungi, and cellulolytic organisms. This study explores these microbial interactions in detail, potentially explaining why deep-rooted perennials growing alongside vetiver tend to thrive.
This is further supported:
“The benefits of mycorrhiza for the acquisition of soil nutrients depend greatly on the fungal hyphae that extend well beyond the usual rhizosphere of the root to form a large ‘mycorhizosphere’. AM hyphae can spread more than 250 mm from a root and ECM hyphae can grow several meters, thereby exploiting soil nutrients substantial distances from plant roots. Coupled with this is evidence that hyphae can link the roots of more than one plant to form an extensive underground network, possibly allowing the transfer of C and nutrients from one plant to another, or at least from fungal mycelium in one plant to mycelium in another” From Plant Roots: Growth, Activity and Interaction with Soils, Gregory (2006). We recommend that you take time to read Paul Truong’s book “Vetiver Roots – The Hidden Half” to learn more about this unique plant and how it functions. – Free download
Botanical Gardens, Colonial crops, and the Journey of Vetiver
Botanical gardens played a significant role in the colonial transfer of economically important plants globally. This historical connection is increasingly subject to postcolonial critique, focusing on issues like insufficient historical information and the appropriation of knowledge. Modern botanical gardens operate under international guidelines, striving to avoid biopiracy, yet tracing the origins of older plant collections is often challenging due to incomplete documentation. The case study of vetiver grass at the University of Kassel’s Tropical Greenhouse exemplifies these difficulties, illustrating the complex movement of plants, the loss of provenance data, and the enduring questions surrounding the legacy of colonial era plant transfers.
Also at this link you can find an excel spread sheet that itemizes over 2100 collected specimens of the genus “Chrysopogon” that many of which which were once classified as “Vetiveria” sp. found in herbarium at the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, UK. We know the the important African vetiver – Chrysopogon nigritanus – exhibits very similar characteristics as C. zizanioides and can/is used as an alternative for many Vetiver System applications. I wonder whether any of the other Chrysopogon genotypes might also be used, in their native localities, for applications that vetiver might not be so effective. – might make an interesting topic to work on. For example Chrysopogon orientalis a native of E Asia (southeast China, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia). Chrysopogon orientalis is a perennial grass with culms 30 – 90cm tall. The plant usually has a creeping habit, though sometimes the stolons are short and stout and the plant densely tufted. The plant is used to protect sandy soils from wind erosion in coastal areas.
Vetiver and Carbon Sequestration
Vetiver grass has garnered attention for its potential role in carbon sequestration, but realistic estimates place its sequestration ability at approximately 2 tons of carbon per hectare per year, under optimal conditions. Claims of up to 15 tons per hectare annually are considered exaggerated. For comparison, deep-rooted prairie grasses typically sequester 0.75 to 4 tons of carbon per hectare per year.
Carbon Forms and Vetiver’s Role:
- Gray carbon: Atmospheric carbon.
- Red carbon: Combustion-related carbon.
- Green carbon: Carbon from photosynthesis.
- Brown carbon: Soil respiration.
- Blue carbon: Found in coastal ecosystems.
- White carbon: Inorganic soil carbon.
- Black carbon: Charcoal or biochar.
Vetiver grass contributes to pedologic sequestration by integrating organic matter into the soil through its interactions with plant-soil systems. Its deep roots (non-invasive and resilient to harsh conditions) enhance soil productivity while supporting carbon storage as both biotic and pedologic (white carbon).
Key Contributions of Vetiver:
- Soil Erosion Prevention: Erosion displaces soil organic carbon, and an estimated 20–40% of this displaced carbon is released back into the atmosphere as CO₂. Vetiver hedgerows, when correctly installed, reduce erosion by up to 90%, nearly eliminating erosion-induced carbon loss.
- Soil Health Improvement: Vetiver grass alters nutrient ratios and increases soil organic matter, promoting long-term carbon retention.
Quantifying carbon credits for vetiver remains challenging and costly. However, the indirect benefits, such as improving soil quality, conserving water, and reducing erosion, far outweigh its direct value for carbon credit payments. Farmers gain more from vetiver’s ecosystem services than they would from current carbon market payouts. More details at “Managing Soil Health With Vetiver Grass for Food and Climate Security” by Dr. Rattan Lal”
What should be the distance between contour aligned vetiver hedgerows?
This question is often asked by vetiver users. As a rule of thumb hedges should be located at a Vertical Interval (VI) of about (2m). We have found that in general rainfall runoff on bare soils starts to create erosive rills if the VI is more than 2m. The caveat being that there can be great variability effected by soil type, tillage practices, crop/ground cover. Ultimately the farmer selects the VI based on his own experience. Depending on slope a 2m VI translates into different linear distances (surface runs) between hedges. The the table below calculates surface runs for hedge rows at 1m VI (double the distance for 2m VI). More information on design, layout, and establishing vetiver hedgerows can be found in Vetiver Grass A hedge Against Erosion and Contour farming and soil and water conservation — A modified sight leveling device and how to survey contour vetiver hedgerows
The most important factor for success is correct hedge alignment and inline spacing distances between plants (15cm). If plants are planted further apart it takes longer to create an effective water spreading hedgerow. Note often closer spacing may be chosen to support close vetiver/crop interaction and provide for chop and drop mulching practices.
Table for calculating surface run between hedges
on different gradient slopes
| Slope degrees | Slope percent | Gradient | Surface Run (a) meters | |
| 1 | 1.7 | 1 in 57.3 | 57.3 | |
| 2 | 3.5 | 1 ” 28.6 | 28.7 | |
| 3 | 5.3 | 1 ” 19.1 | 19.1 | |
| 4 | 7.0 | 1 ” 14.3 | 14.3 | |
| 5 | 8.8 | 1 ” 11.4 | 11.5 | |
| 6 | 10.5 | 1 ” 9.5 | 9.6 | |
| 7 | 12.3 | 1 ” 8.1 | 8.2 | |
| 8 | 14.0 | 1 ” 7.1 | 7.2 | |
| 9 | 16.0 | 1 ” 6.3 | 6.4 | |
| 10 | 17.6 | 1 ” 5.7 | 5.8 | |
| 11 | 19.4 | 1 ” 5.1 | 5.2 | |
| 12 | 21.3 | 1 ” 4.7 | 4.8 | |
| 13 | 23.1 | 1 ” 4.3 | 4.5 | |
| 14 | 25.0 | 1 ” 4.0 | 4.1 | |
| 15 | 27.0 | 1 ” 3.7 | 4.0 | |
| 16 | 28.7 | 1 ” 3.5 | 3.6 | |
| 17 | 30.6 | 1 ” 3.3 | 3.4 | |
| 18 | 32.5 | 1 ” 3.1 | 3.2 | |
| 19 | 34.4 | 1 ” 3.0 | 3.1 | |
| 20 | 36.4 | 1 ” 2.8 | 3.0 | |
| 21 | 38.4 | 1 ” 2.6 | 2.8 | |
| 22 | 40.4 | 1 ” 2.5 | 2.7 | |
| 23 | 42.5 | 1 ” 2.4 | 2.6 | |
| 24 | 44.5 | 1 ” 2.3 | 2.5 | |
| 25 | 46.6 | 1 ” 2.1 | 2.4 | |
| 26 | 48.8 | 1 ” 2.0 | 2.3 | |
| 27 | 51.0 | 1 ” 2.0 | 2.2 | |
| 28 | 53.2 | 1 ” 1.9 | 2.1 | |
| 29 | 55.4 | 1 ” 1.8 | 2.1 | |
| 30 | 57.7 | 1 ” 1.7 | 2.0 | |
| 31 | 60.1 | 1 ” 1.7 | 2.0 | |
| 32 | 62.5 | 1 ” 1.6 | 1.9 | |
| 33 | 65.0 | 1 ” 1.5 | 1.8 | |
| 34 | 67.5 | 1 ” 1.5 | 1.8 | |
| 35 | 70.0 | 1 ” 1.4 | 1.7 | |
| 36 | 72.7 | 1 ” 1.4 | 1.7 | |
| 37 | 75.4 | 1 ” 1.3 | 1.7 | |
| 38 | 78.1 | 1 ” 1.3 | 1.6 | |
| 39 | 80.1 | 1 ” 1.2 | 1.6 | |
| 40 | 84.0 | 1 ” 1.2 | 1.6 | |
| 41 | 87.0 | 1 ” 1.2 | 1.5 | |
| 42 | 90.0 | 1 ” 1.1 | 1.5 | |
| 43 | 93.0 | 1 ” 1.1 | 1.5 | |
| 44 | 96.6 | 1 ” 1.0 | 1.4 | |
| 45 | 100.0 | 1 ” 1.0 | 1.4 | |
- The figures for the surface run are based on a vertical interval (VI) of 1 meter. To use this table, multiply the surface run by the VI: for example, with a VI of 2 meters on a 70 percent slope, the surface distance between vegetative barriers = 2 x 1.7 = 3.4 m