How to Improve Water Quality Using Vetiver Grass

Vetiver grass is fast becoming known as an economic and ecologically sound way to improve the quality of water. The grass can be planted in and around ponds for a recharge of their groundwater. The grass is commonly used in Africa and India by farmers who need a higher water level and water that is clean enough to nurture their crops.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Use vetiver grass to filter water. Planting the grass in a small body of water will allow the water to benefit from the plant's complex root system. These roots filter water at a much more rapid rate than other grasses. This can leave water in better condition for drinking, bathing, raising fish and irrigation.

2. Plant it around ponds. Vetiver has been shown to clean up the dirt and algae that accumulate in fish ponds. Plant vetiver around the edges of a fish pond, and some in the middle of the pond if desired, and let the grass naturally clean the water.

3. Keep your water from eroding away by planting vetiver grass around it. The grass will effectively guard the water and keep it from being washed away by erosion. Vetiver can keep ponds and streams running even during times when they would normally be dry.

4. Place a row of the grass across an area that water runs through. If runoff first runs through vetiver grass, it will reach its destination in a cleaner condition. If you are starting a pond from runoff, begin by planting the grass across the runoff area and then plant it around the edges of the area you want the pond to be in. This will not only clean the water, it will also keep it in place.