This is handbook is a based on John Greenfield's earlier book -Vetiver Grass: The Hedge Against Erosion. It updates the text and matches actual photographic examples of Vetiver System applications against the original line drawings. The handbook remains primarily a handbook for "lay" users interested in basic soil and water conservation practices using the Vetiver System. It is simply written and contains enough information and facts so that even the least technically educated users can confidently read, apply, and achieve good results. We have gone a long way with the Vetiver System since John Greenfield wrote the first handbook in 1987. However the same basic principles apply, and the technology remains low cost, effective and easy to use. The technology is used in every tropical and subtropical country in the world as well as some countries outside the tropics.