Vetiver System and Organic Farming

Farm Buffer boundary of vetiver - note adjacent rice paddy fields at the left

Here is an interesting practical use of vetiver in India where it was used to replace a 50 meter buffer zone to prevent chemicals from neighboring farms entering the organic farm.  No data is provided but the concept fits well with what we know about vetiver acting as a "wall" against surface flow of fertilizer and pesticide/herbicide.  The paper sets out the objectives and results - summed up by the organic farm inspector accepting vetiver as the buffer barrier and certifying the farm.  This 35 ha farm is producing vetiver oil for herbal uses and receives premium price for its oils because they are "organically" produced.

The farm owners (C G Herbals) also use vetiver to stabilize farm roads, erosion control and protection of farm ponds - negating the need to desilt the ponds.

Now I would add that this vetiver oil producing farm could further increase its income by producing biofuel for the vetiver leaf (see recent blog on biofuel in China).  AND as I have often written about in the past the sale of the vetiver crown from oil harvested plants that could be sold to landscapers, construction companies, PWD and other potential users for slope stabilization and other off farm applications.  Great potential for an integrated farm operation.