Hardy grass cleans as it binds

Vetiver grass has been successfully cultivated in 40 Vietnamese provinces since 1999 to prevent soil erosion and absorb pollutants, according to the Vietnam Vetiver Network’s coordinator.

Vetiver absorbs an “immense” amount of toxic compounds and elements, including heavy metals.

When planted as a contour hedge at mineral dumps or industrial areas, the grass acts as a continuous filtering system thanks to its dense clumps and “amazing” water-absorbing ability.

Vetiver also forms a “biological wall” that prevents these toxins from spreading and gradually breaks them down into harmless substances.

Van says the pollution in the notorious Thi Vai and nearby rivers could be treated at low cost by the judicious planting of vetiver.

“The grass is easy and cheap to cultivate and needs minimum maintenance. It’s so tough it can survive being soaked in waste water for months, and can withstand pests and diseases,” he says.

“It can be grown as a contour hedge or cultivated on water surfaces to filter out polluting substances.”

Vetiver is a densely tufted, wiry perennial. Unlike most grasses, vetiver roots grow straight down to a depth of 3-4 meters.

It grows in large clumps from a multibranched root stock with erect stalks 50 to 150 centimeters high, according to the Vetiver Network International.

Besides binding soil and filtering water, vetiver is now an important grass for stabilizing road and railroad embankments, river banks and canals, and preventing landslips.

Source: Tuoi Tre