Vetiver Grass
Chrysopogon zizanioides
Forms of Vetiver
- Slips: 2-3 stems of an established plant. Fresh from the ground, trimmed & cleaned for transport, ready to be planted in pots or in the ground. Suitable for a small to medium projects, slower establishment rate.
- Wads: Well established plant straight from the ground, 4-7 stems with a mature root system. Ready to be planted in the ground for fast establishment. Great for a any scale project wanting a better success rate & faster growth.
- Tubes: 2-4 stems with a well established root system in a small tube, ground ready. Great for small to large projects wanting quick plant establishment, better success rate & faster growth.
- Mature Plants: 7-10 stems with a mature root system, ground ready. Great for a any scale project, offering the ability to split into multiple plants or plant as one established plant for fast growth & hedge establishment.
Our services include:
- Consultation
- Supply only
- Supply & plant
- Supply, plant & maintenance
Bulk Quantities Available for Large Projects
Quarantine Required for WA, TAS & International
Characteristics
Vetiver grass does not produce above ground runners, but has a strong and massive root system which is very fast growing and descends to a depth of 2 to 5 meters within the first year depending on soil conditions.
The above ground shoots can grow up to 2 meters high when planted close together. These form a solid vegetative barrier that returns water flow which filters trapped sediment and run-off water. Vetiver growth occurs from the crowns which grow and rise relative to the sediment soil build up.
It is also resistant to pest, diseases, fire and heavy grazing.
How does it work?
Because the root system is focused below the soil, it can reach up to 5 meters in tropical conditions. The depth of the root structure provides the plant with great tolerance to drought.
Vetiver grass can penetrate through compacted soil layers which creates efficient infiltration to the soil moisture. The root system of Vetiver grass has great strength between 40 and 180 MPA with a range of the root diameter between 0.2mm and 2.2 mm.
Vetiver grass is highly effective in slowing down and spreading run-off water, reducing soil erosion, conserving soil moisture and trapping sediment and farm chemicals, and due to its strong root system, it’s difficult to be dislodged under strong water flows on riverbanks, flood plains & livestock.
Climate & Soil
Vetiver grass is extremely tolerant to climatic variations such as prolonged drought or flood submergence with temperature levels ranging from -14C to +55C. Vetiver grass has been found to thrive under rainfall ranging from 300mm to 6000mm per annum.
Vetiver Grass has the adaptability and tolerance to a wide range of soil pH ranging from 3.3 to 12.5.
Vetiver Grass is also highly efficient in absorbing dissolved nutrients and heavy metals in polluted soil & water and is also tolerant to Al, Mn and heavy metals such as As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Hg, Se and Zn in the soils.
Ecological Applications
Vetiver grass offers a range of ecological applications, contributing to environmental sustainability and ecosystem health.
The dense and intricate root system of Vetiver Grass not only stabilizes soil but also acts as a natural filter, trapping pollutants, acid sulfate, heavy metals and enhances water quality contributing to ecosystem restoration making it benefical in a range of applications:
Erosion Control, Soil Regeneration, Land Regeneration, Cane Drain Mitigation, Waste Water Treatment & Stock Feed.
Erosion Control
Vetiver grass has an extraordinarily deep & thick root system reaching up to 5 metres at maturity, which binds the soil making it difficult to be dislodged under strong water flows on riverbanks, flood plains & coastal banks, aiding in the prevention of erosion.
Soil Regeneration
Vetiver Grass is highly beneficial to soil regeneration through its ability to clean up contaminated & polluted soil, whilst increasing soil moisture, nitrogen, soil microbiomes, balancing pH levels, inturn making the soil fertile for future agricultural use.
Land Regeneration
Vetiver grass is widely used in land regeneration projects for government, mining & agricultural due to its tolerance & ability to clean up heavy metals, chemical run off & stabilise erosion, helping native plants to regenerate.
Cane Drain Mitigation
Vetiver grass is beneficial for maintaining structure, preventing erosion & providing filtration for cane drain run off. Vetiver grass is highly effective at controlling acidic soils & chemical run off, as well as absorbing pollutants from the waterways.
Waste Water Treatment
Vetiver Grass’s root system acts as a natural filter, trapping pollutants & promoting the breakdown of organic matter. Vetiver’s unique ability to absorb & accumulate contaminants, make it an effective & sustainable solution for treating waste water.
Sustainable Stock Feed
Vetiver Grass is a self sustaining, highly nutritious source of stock feed, providing high levels of protein, fiber, minerals, digestibility & energy. Vetiver grass also exhibits good antifungal & antibacterial activity as well as a reduction in worms & gas production.
Cosmetic & Medical
Vetiver Grass is highly prized for its essential oil, which is extracted from the root system, in the medical & cosmetic industries due to its unique and therapeutic properties.
Cosmetic Applications: Skin Care, Fragrance in Perfumes, Hair Care, Deoderants & Body Sprays, Natural Insect Repellents, Anti Aging.
Medical Industry: Studies have found Vetiver Oil to contain Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Microbial properties, along with its calming & sedative properties, it may act as an aid with sleep, stress, emotional support, anxiety, skin conditions, wound care & relieving minor muscle aches & pains