HIS MAJESTY THE KING AND LAND RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT

"The plant which acts as a living wall to conserve and replenish the land"

Soil erosion by rain has repeatedly washed away the fertile and productive soil surface. Highland cultivation is mostly affected by these incidents even though the area is adequately supplied with rain. Some kind of barrier is needed to slow down the run off and keep water in the soil long enough for plant growth.

His Majesty the King realized this problem facing the highland agriculturists. He has initiated the use of vetiver grass to alleviate different types of soil surface loss while maintaining the moisture in the soil for plant productivity. His recognition of this magic plant has helped people in the rural area make the best use of their land for agriculture while conserving the natural resources. He has suggested researchers to make an in-depth study to know the potential of the Thai vetiver grass and the following conclusion was made on its characteristics and usage. 1. Vetiver grass has a numerous root system spread deeply downward like a wall. It helps filtering soil sediment while keeping the soil surface intact. It, therefore, would effectively prevent soil erosion in the slope area.

2. Experiments have been done on growing vetiver grass at different topographic area. 2.1 On the slope or hillsides. Vetiver grass should be grown perpendicular to the slope and mountain creek whereby surface soil erosion is prevented while moisture is kept in the soil.
2.2 On the flat plain. Vetiver grass should be grown either around the field or 1 or 2 rows in the channel alternate with the field crops.
2.3 Pond and reservoir. Vetiver grass could be grown around the pond or reservoir to prevent the shallowing of the pond from sediment eroded from the edges. It also helps revitalize the watershed area above reservoir.
2.4 Natural water resource. Rows of vetiver grass should be grown in the area above water resource to prevent soil erosion and filter the waste that normally flows into natural water resource.
3. The rate of vetiver growth (root, leaf, stem) and their effective use on soil and moisture conservation should be recorded.

Multipurpose Uses of Vetivers

- For conservation of environment and ecology. Growing of vetivers in rows along the banks of waterways, and canals has helped collecting sediments, sewage and prevented them from accumulation into the water reservoirs.

- Use of vetiver leaves to make animal feed and decomposed fertilizer. Vetiver leaves (Kampang Phet 2) were found to have high nutritional value (raw protein, NDS, minerals) which is good to be used as animal feed. The best harvest time is 4 weeks. Young vetiver leaves are crushed to make fish food. Stems and leaves could be used to make decomposed fertilizer in 60-120 days with high quantity of nutrients and minerals for soil.

- To make roof thatch and insect repellants. Dry vetiver leaves are threaded into roof thatch for rural housing and store's roof. Vertiver roots contain pleasant aromatic scent. Older generations used to hang vetiver roots in their closets to keep the clothing with good smell and repel the insects at the same time.

- Herbal medicines and perfumes made from vetivers. Vetivers are used as herbal medicines to relief heart-burn symptom, excessive gas in the stomach, as well as to reduce fever. Vetiver oil is extracted from roots. The oil emits a sweet and pleasant odor and is used in the perfumery industry. "Vetiver" is a French brand name of perfume made from vetiver roots.

On February 25,1993
the International Erosion Control Association (IECA)
has unanimously presented

"The International Erosion Control Association's International Merit Award"

to

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej

for his outstanding leadership in vetiver usage for soil and water conservation
The vetiver operational projects in Thailand are publicized around the world

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