Training manual - The Vetiver Network International

ecause the method of utilizing vetiver involves simple technology which the farmers can
implement by themselves with a little expense.
His Majesty granted the first initiative regarding cultivation of vetiver grass on June 22, 1991.
According to the initiative, experimentation on vetiver cultivation to prevent soil erosion should be
undertaken at the Royal Development Study Centers (RDSC) as well as other suitable areas widely
and accordingly with the topography of the areas, especially the Huai Sai RDSC and the Khao Hin
Sorn RDSC. Therefore, all RDSCs together with concened agencies cooperated to study and plant
vetiver grass according to His Majesty’s initiative. The experimentation and cultivation of vetiver
are the issues that His Majesty the King is fully concerned about. This can be seen from the fact that
His Majesty always keeps abreast of the outcomes of the implementation and periodically grants
additional intiatives which presently total 24 occasions. These initiatives make vetiver utilization in
Thailand widespread.
His Majesty the King granted initiatives to construct six RDSCs in the different regions of the
country. The Centers’ aim is to conduct study, experiment and research in order to formulate
guidelines and methods of development in many aspects, which conforms to the specific
topographical and social conditions of each region. The successful results are then being
demonstrated in the form of a “Living Natural Museum”. Therefore, each center serves as a model
of the integrated development that farmers and interested people can study and attend training to
further apply as guidelines for making a living.
9.6.2 Existing RDSCs: There are a present six RDSC’s located in different parts of the
country. In terms of the research works that each of the Centers has implemented, they are found to
be unique and different from one another. Each Center emphasizes their study in different aspects
consistent with the geographical conditions of the Centers’ area. These Centers are:
9.6.2.1 Huai Sai RDSC: The interesting research works include:
Vetiver cultivation in hardpan soil by studying the root growth of vetiver planted on the
fragments of hard soil compressed in a box as well as studying the cultivation of vetiver
together with fruit trees in stone boxes containing hard soil.
Vetiver cultivation in the integrated farming system by cultivating vetiver across the
slope and utilizing its leaves as soil cover materials.
Vetiver cultivation in a circle around the fruit trees, vegetables, and floral and
ornamental trees, as well as utilization of vetiver leaves as materials for covering the
base of the trees.
Utilization of vetiver leaves as mushroom propagating material.
Vetiver cultivation along the gullies and around the ponds in order to prevent soil
erosion.
9.6.2.2 Khao Hin Sorn RDSC: Study and research on many issues include:
Testing of vetiver growth when cultivated in flooded condition
Comparative study of the effectiveness of vetiver and embankment which affects soil
erosion. This is to compare between cultivation of vetiver in bout two or three rows
across the slope in cassava plantation and establishment of embankments across the
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