Organic farming opportunity in Brazil

[lucio]

Hello Friends; We´ve re-started our eco-farm project in Sumidouro (3h hour driving from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) last year. The aim is to develop organic plantation in greenhouse, starting with tomato, and vetiver grass outdoors. We have hard work here: planting, fixing, cutting, painting. The place is amazing and local people either. We have a big lake, a lot of land for gardening, cows, ducks, gooses, birds, etc. As i live and work in Rio, we would like to have few people living here this year to work and manage the project. I will be present and work every 2 weeks. Hope you can join us!! See you soon

[sun burn]

Forgive the basic question but what is vetiver grass? What is it good for?

[eco4560]

Vetiver is a dense clumping grass that has lots of uses in a permie situation. I use it as an edge guild and for chop and drop. I've seen reference to using it to slow down water on flood plains, or to filter water in a reed bed situation. I think it is sterile (could be wrong!) and propagated by division. It looks similar to lemon grass, but the blades are a bit thinner, and tougher. And doesn't smell like lemon of course!

[cdoug_e]

Vetiver is also grown for an essential oil that is very similar to molasses in consistency. Fetches a descent price but is a pain to pour, cause well its slow as Molasses. Amazing plant for chop and drop, contour plantings to slow water, and will give you a nice cut if you decide to pet it the wrong direction. Has a taproot and spreading root system which is why it has been planted widely for erosion control. Its thick clumps act as sieve for organic matter and slow the water down. This helps to naturally terrace landscapes and slow and sink water. Great way to accelerate succession and evolution, plant in relative location on design features like a banana circle and I use it as mulch in my annual gardens. Because of its high silica content it breaks down less rapidly than other mulches which is of course imperative in the tropics. the soil must remain covered. I do have a set of friends in Brazil right now, in Rio, how can they get a hold of you and another going back to Bahia in a couple of days. Yes it is sterile and easily propagated. I would think in the tropics of AUZ people are using it?

[lucio]

great responses given by friends above. Vetiver is considered a magic planta in Indiua because its endless applications that go from steep slope stabilisation, erosion control, handcraft, ethanol and perfum production. Actually in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil we had severe natural disaster caused by intense flood. More than 500 deaths. Vetiver is natural, ecological and cheap solutions for this kind of problem. We have now around 100.000 seedlings and we are trying to advise authorities about Vetiver benefits. Please, feel free for any advise or contact. Lucio (eurolac@ig.com.br) Thank you!!