It is interesting to see that the Government of Guyana after some prodding will look at the possibilities of using the Vetiver System for strengthening its coastal sea defenses (
See). There are many countries that have depended on mangrove as a buffer to storm wave action. However often mangrove (particularly depleted mangrove) is not sufficient to protect coastal sea dykes. In Vietnam there are some good demonstrations of Vetiver being used to protect sea dykes, particularly the inside bank which is often neglected, is highly erodible, and the cause of bank breaching. Here are a couple of useful links:
THE USE OF VETIVERS IN COASTAL ENGINEERING and
Sea dike erosion on coastal zone in North Vietnam
Assume we grow vetiver on a pontoon on a coastal river. The low tide level is 1.9 metre and high tide is 4.2 metre. What will happen to the roots as they grow. The root length is less than 4.2 metree and greater than 1.9 metre. I imagine that the roots will lie coiled on the ground during low tide and extend to leave the ground at high tide. What will happen if the root length exceeds 4.2 metre? I feel that the roots will now intrude into the ground and anchor the vetiver. Or are the water roots incapable of intruding into the ground?
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