Proper spacing of Vetiver Grass is essential for achieving its full benefits, whether for soil stabilization, erosion control, water purification, or land rehabilitation. Here’s a general guide:
1. Spacing Based on Application
Erosion Control on Slopes:
~Plant in hedgerows (single lines across the slope).
~Spacing between plants: 10–15 cm apart in a row.
~Spacing between rows: 1–2 meters vertically, depending on the steepness of the slope.
Riverbanks and Embankments:
~Plant in dense rows along the bank.
~Spacing between plants: 10–15 cm apart.
~Multiple rows: Stagger plants in rows, with about 30–50 cm between rows for added stability.
Flat Areas (e.g., Farms, Gardens):
~For windbreaks or property boundaries, space plants 15–20 cm apart in a single row.
~For flood control or waterway filtering, plant in hedgerows 30–50 cm apart.
Water Purification Systems (e.g., wetlands):
~Plant clusters with 20–25 cm spacing within clusters and 50–75 cm between clusters.
~Optimise for water flow and area coverage.
2. Calculating Number of Plants Per Square Meter
For dense planting (e.g., erosion control or steep slopes):
6–10 plants per linear meter in a row.
Example: A 10-meter-long row will need 60–100 plants.
For a 1m² area, you’ll need approximately 25–40 plants, depending on the density required.
For moderate planting (e.g., flat areas or water purification):
4–5 plants per square meter, depending on project goals.
3. Special Considerations
~Soil Type: Poor or loose soil may require tighter spacing to establish faster coverage.
~Plant Maturity: Smaller, immature plants may require closer spacing initially to ensure coverage as they grow.
~Site Conditions: Steeper slopes or areas with high water flow will benefit from denser planting.
4. Example Planting Scenario
A 10m x 10m area for erosion control:
With a spacing of 15 cm between plants in rows and 1 meter between rows:
Plants per row: 67 plants (10m ÷ 0.15m).
Number of rows: 10 rows (10m ÷ 1m).
Total plants: 670 plants.
5. Maintenance Tips
~Water plants regularly in the first 2–3 months for establishment.
~Monitor for weeds or pests and remove them promptly.
~Trim the leaves every 6 months to encourage root growth.
📞 Need help planning your Vetiver Grass project?
Call us at 0448 580 382 or visit https://vetiver-australia.com.
Let our team assist you in finding the best planting density for your unique needs! 🌱
