Standardizing Row Spacing of Vetiver for River Bank Stabilization of Lower Ganges

Aims: To find out the feasibility of Vetiver grass in different row-spacing with special reference to soil erosion control, impact on soil fertility and water conservation at the erosion-prone barren banks of the Bhagirathi River in Nadia district of West Bengal.

Methodology: The experimental treatments comprised of five different spacing arrangements (90, 75, 60, 45 and 30 cm) for Vetiver rows. For recording biometric observations plant height, number of tillers/plant and root length vetiver plants were taken accordingly (January 2017 to May 2017). Physico-chemical changes of experimental soil, water holding capacity, surface-runoff and soil conservation efficiency of each month were measured during the brief period of experimentation.

Results: The study revealed that Vetiver has significant role in stabilization of erosion-prone river bank. Growing of Vetiver with indigenous nutrient supply of soil resulted in depletion soil fertility status initially. Planting of Vetiver with closer row spacing (30 cm) proved to be significant for quick stabilization of river bank, but as a long-term measure, wider row spacing (75 cm) is advocated for optimum growth and biomass production of this perennial grass.

Conclusion: From the present study it may be concluded that Vetiver has significant role to play in stabilization of erosion-prone river bank of lower Ganges. An initiative may be taken to promote Vetiver cultivation along the embankment of the river Ganges as a natural and cost-effective bio-engineering tool.