Vetiver System - A look back of 40 years of Vetiver application in Fiji

As we move forward we often forget the past.  This link: http://www.vetiver.org/FIJ_ER1994.pdf will take you to a 1994 report by Paul Truong and Colin Creighton on the use of vetiver grass hedgerows in Fiji.  "Report on the Potential Weed problem of Vetiver grass and its effectiveness in soil erosion control in Fiji".  Based on the findings of this report the Government of Queensland  allowed the release of Monto Vetiver to the public.  Note the Fiji, Monto and Sunshine vetiver all have near identical DNA

Mr. V. Seru, the Officer in Charge of Land Use and Soil Conservation of the Fijian Department of Primary Industries (1994) made the following summary: "There is no doubt in my mind that Vetiver grass provides a very effective means of soil erosion control on steeplands.  It is not a weed, it is very simple and practical for farmers to use, it does not compete with crops but it is a living barrier and it needs proper maintenance to provide the maximum benefit".

An interesting observation by one farmer indicated that where vetiver hedgerows were not used sugar cane yields were reduced by 56%

Dick Grimshaw

2 meter terrace created by trapped soil behind 30 year old vetiver hedge

30 year vetiver hedge in Fiji -note slope change upslope from hedge (used to be 20% slope)

Google earth image of 50 year old vetiver hedgerows in Fiji

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