Criss Juliard, a TVNI director, has recently been helping to train Haitians in the Vetiver System. Criss has a wide experience in Vetiver System applications, particularly in Madagascar - a very similar climate and conditions to Haiti (extreme rainfall, high incidence of deforestation, and major erosion problems).
Here are some of his photos. From top to bottom:
An 8 month old hedge has already held back 15 cm of sediment, and is starting to create a natural terrace.
Teaching Haitians how to plant vetiver correctly - across the slope and close spacing. His students learned quickly. Notice the good quality planting material.
Students planting a vetiver hedgerow on steep land
Vetiver under partial shade, good for landscaping and boundary demarcation
This roadside vetiver was used as a source of plant material
If others would like to share their vetiver photos please send them to me. We will shortly establish a photo gallery focusing on Haitian vetiver.
Criss!
ReplyDeleteHey my old friend from Liberia PCV! I saw the work you are doing in Haiti. Good job! Yes, soil needs to be held in place to do any good. Great to see your picture in the field, with the people.
Mike M. Soil Scientist