Vetiver used as a mulch to improve soil moisture?
Vetiver grass (mainly hedges for soil conservation) planted between fruit trees, tea trees and other crop lines must be pruned several times every year. The first pruning occurs at the end of February when the dead leaves and stems that dried out during the winter are removed. Then, from the middle or latter part of June to the middle part of September another 3-4 prunings must take place.
The pruned leaves and stems are usually used in mulch materials to help resist drought or cold injury to fruit trees, tea bushes and other crops. The mulch is usually placed at the base of the tree, bush or crop or buried in the soil while fertilizing. Farmers have adopted this practice to increase yields as it helps retain soil moisture, lowers soil temperature and resists drought in the summer, while facilitating resistance to cold in the winter.