VETIVER SYSTEM FOR EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL

The Vetiver System is based on the use of vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides L.) for various applications in erosion and sediment control. The Vetiver System was first developed by the World Bank for soil and water conservation in India in the 1980s. Research and development conducted in Queensland and overseas since then have also shown this system to be a very effective in: • Water erosion control in agricultural lands such as flood erosion control Darling Downs, where it has been used to replace strip crop layouts, in contour bank substitution and in gully stabilisation. As well, recent research on the use of vetiver grass to control erosion of drains in acid sulfate soils and to improve water quality will be discussed. • Erosion and sediment control on steep slopes as a bioengineering technique. It has been used successfully for steep batter stabilisation on highway and railway constructions, and for protection of mine infrastructure such as steep outer batter slopes on dams. • Mine rehabilitation, vetiver grass is highly tolerant to heavy metals as well as to extreme edaphic and climatic conditions. This makes it an ideal species for colonising and ameliorating landfills and tailings dams.