Agriculturist, Isidoro T. Cabrera was among those who got EQIP funding a few weeks ago. He got a total of $22,521 for his own soil conservation practice for which he will use vetiver grass.
“If you’re talking about soil erosion control, vetiver grass is always involved,” Cabrera said.
One of the programs that NRCS fund through the EQIP for erosion control involves the planting of vetiver grass which is proven effective in conserving soil.
The 14 farmers — 10 from Saipan, three from Rota and one Tinian — will use their EQIP grants for contour farming on the slopes.
NRCS also provided the farmers with instructions on how the vetiver grass should be planted.
Cabrera said he has vetiver seedlings ready to be planted on his 1.5-hectare farm which has highly erodible soil.
He said he will be able to make the best use of his farm in Talafofo, which he had already cleared.
Since vegetables are not advisable for erodible soil because vegetable crops require tilling, Cabrera plans to put up a fruit orchard. He will plant banana, avocado, mango, papaya and calamansi.
