The Vetiver Network International

Newsletter – Vetiver and Youth, Bio-engineering, Wastewater Treatment, Global Feedback (NL 2024-11)

This newsletter addresses Vetiver and youth, global outreach, feedback from users, and research news. Sharing experiences and information. The more this group and other vetiver users share their experiences the more people will use the technology. I see this happening in many countries and regions, recently especially in Latin America, India, Kenya, and Vietnam.   Key users, often with different approaches, are making real progress and creating interest for others. Sharing/information sources of current note include: the monthly webinar series “Conversatorio” hosted by Yorlene Cruz (Coordinator of the Costa Rica and member of Latin Vetiver Networks) are posted on TVNI’s Youtube channel;  the new Facebook page – Vetiver in Kenya – attracts a growing readership;  India’s Agricultural World Whatsapp, AW#VETIVER forum,  focusing on “all things vetiver” is expanding and contains lively discussion on a range of vetiver topics and applications.… Read the rest “Newsletter – Vetiver and Youth, Bio-engineering, Wastewater Treatment, Global Feedback (NL 2024-11)”

Black Cotton Soils (Vertisols) and the Vetiver System

What follows is a reprint of a note by the late John Greenfield on conservation practices for black cotton soils (vertisols) – It should be an interest too many of you.   I was faced with the problems of managing black cotton soils in the early 50s in Australia while working with the Soil Conservation Service. Overnight, a heavy storm had wiped out a large area of a farmers wheat crop and fence line leaving gullies several meters deep.… Read the rest “Black Cotton Soils (Vertisols) and the Vetiver System”

Vetiver Grass Technology – Carbon Farming Management – Research – Global Outreach – Feedback (NL 2024-10)

CARBON FARMING FOR FARMERS – MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES “Soil organic matter is the elixir of life” . … Rattan Lal “A healthy soil should contain 2-4% Soil Organic Matter (SOM) half of which is Soil Organic Carbon.” The Potential of Regenerative Agriculture for Carbon Management and Sustainability  This (18 min) video by Dr Rattan Lal – — the World’s leading soil scientist, World Food prize winner, and Director of Rattan Lal Carbon Management and Sequestration Center (Ohio State University) — is recommended as an introduction to soil and carbon.… Read the rest “Vetiver Grass Technology – Carbon Farming Management – Research – Global Outreach – Feedback (NL 2024-10)”

Costa Rica: biological control of an insect pest on Vetiver; Colombia: Vetiver history; Vetiver research trends; Vetiver oil’s medicinal potential; USA & India: Vetiver initiatives; USA: Vetiver for climate resilient infrastructure (NL 2024-09)

A well-planted Vetiver hedgerow Costa Rica: biological control of spittlebugs (Aeneolamia spp, Prosapia spp.) in Vetiver / Control biológico de salivazo en Vetiver The following article comes from Yorlene Cruz in Costa Rica. Yorlene is the owner/founder of Vetiver Systems Costa Rica, the organizer and host of the monthly “Conversatorios Virtuales Latinoamericano Vetiver”, TVNI’s Costa Rica Coordinator, and a Director of TVNI. For more details see the full write up of this case study (in Spanish) and a video that shows the affected plantings.… Read the rest “Costa Rica: biological control of an insect pest on Vetiver; Colombia: Vetiver history; Vetiver research trends; Vetiver oil’s medicinal potential; USA & India: Vetiver initiatives; USA: Vetiver for climate resilient infrastructure (NL 2024-09)”

The Broken Hydrological (Water) Cycle — and Feedback from Vetiver users (NL 2024-08)

The Broken Hydrological (Water) Cycle. Summer is always a rather slow time for exchanging vetiver information –  a time to relax and reflect.  I have been re-reading Charles Massy’s book “Call of the Reed Warbler” (available from e.Books.com). It makes an interesting read (focusing primarily on his own country, Australia) about landscapes that were once in balance with nature, but, since colonization and the introduction of European agricultural methods, have been changed and destroyed, particularly the soils and related water balances.… Read the rest “The Broken Hydrological (Water) Cycle — and Feedback from Vetiver users (NL 2024-08)”