The Efficiency Of Vetiver Grass For Slope Stabilization And Erosion Control: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Slope stability and soil erosion control are critical issues in geotechnical engineering and environmental protection. Vegetation has been increasingly used as an eco-friendly solution for stabilizing slopes and mitigating erosion. Vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) has emerged as a particularly promising vegetation choice due to its extraordinary root system and erosion resistance. This paper provides a comprehensive review of published research on the effectiveness of vetiver grass for slope stabilization and erosion control. Factors impacting vetiver's performance including slope angle, soil properties, and rainfall intensity are analyzed. Design considerations for vetiver applications are discussed. Multiple field studies demonstrating vetiver's ability to significantly improve slope stability and reduce erosion rates under diverse conditions are reviewed. Overall, findings indicate that vetiver grass is highly efficient for stabilizing steep slopes up to 75% incline and reducing erosion by more than 90% compared to bare slopes. Vetiver's versatility, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits make it an optimal vegetation solution worthy of broader implementation for sustainable slope engineering and erosion control.