[Terrapreta] Subject: Re: An interesting conversation on CO2 ifinterested

[Kevin Chisholm]

Dear Lewis

The root system pictures are indeed impressive, and it is easy to see 
how it could hold soil in place.

The Site indicates that it is suitable for tropical and semi-tropical 
climates.

Would anyone know if there is a similar grass that would grow in USDA 
Zone 6?

Best wishes,

Kevin

mmbtupr at aol.com wrote:
>       from  Lewis L Smith
>
> Vetiver really works. We planted some pigeon peas on a 35 degree slope 
> on our farm in Puerto Rico for years, with a row of vetiver [ pacholí ] 
> planted on the contour, above and below the planting of peas. Never had 
> any problem with erosion. However, vetiver should not be allowd to 
> reach its maximum height but cut back every so often.
>
> The URL given by B Jatta not only has pictures but manuals based on 
> extensive experience with vetiver in agricultural and conservation 
> uses, especially in the prevention of eroison, espcially in Asia. This 
> is one "wheel" which definitely doesn't have to be invented or proven.
>
> Using vetiver is also a great way to save diesel and No. 6 fuel oil, in 
> protecting railroads, roads, stream embankments and such like. It can 
> completely replace en engineering works.
>
> Cordially. ###
>
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Sean K. Barry <sean.barry at juno.com>
> To: terrapreta at bioenergylists.org; bakaryjatta <bakaryj at gamtel.gm>
> Sent: Mon, Nov 12  7:30 PM
> Subject: Re: [Terrapreta] Subject: Re: An interesting conversation on 
> CO2 ifinterested
>
> Hi Bakary,
>  
> Thank you for sharing the www.vetiver.org site.  That
> first picture with the 3 meter roots is just amazing! 
> It is easy to see that the Vevitar Grass is very effective at erosion
> control.  I liked the side view picture too, of the site 4 slope in
> Malaysia, which was turned into a terrace in 30 months.  That 
> "Overview"
> photo essay is a compelling visual introduction.
>  
> Regards,
>  
> SKB
>
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: bakaryjatta
>   To: terrapreta at bioenergylists.org
>
>   Sent: Monday, November 12, 2007 11:39
>   AM
>   Subject: [Terrapreta] Subject: Re: An
>   interesting conversation on CO2 ifinterested
>
> Dear lou and list members,
>
> If we link TP and
>   sequestering CO2 with Agricultural systems, let us go a
> step
> further.
>   Soil erosion is a major disaster world wide, especially when people
> are
>    trying to farm marginal lands on side hills and other problem sites. 
> A
>
> successful technology
> introduced in many countries is the use of
>   Vetiver grass to make low contour
> bunds permanent. It is not invasive and
>   is a survivor. It traps soil and
> debris and breaks the force of run off
>   water.
> The grass has roots that penetrate soil to a depth of up to
> three
>   meters. It gets established within a short time and it probably
> sequesters
>   CO2 more effectively than several other plant species. Add some
> biochar
>   when planting to optimize the process right from the start and you
> have
>   added another plus to increased agricultural production. For more
>   info
> about the technology go to www.vetiver.org .
>
> Kind
>   regards,
>
> Bakary Jatta
>
>