The application of Vetiver grass in natural disaster mitigation and environmental protection in Vietnam: A bibliometric analysis and literature review

Abstract

Vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides or Chrysopogon zizanioides) is a versatile tropical plant widely recognized for its applications in environmental protection and natural disaster mitigation. In Vietnam, where natural disasters such as floods and landslides are frequent, particularly along highways, Vetiver grass has proven to be an effective bioengineering solution. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the applications and benefits of Vetiver grass in preventing soil erosion and stabilizing slopes along Vietnam’s transportation systems. A bibliometric analysis of 555 Scopus-indexed publications (2000 – 2024) was conducted using VOSviewer software to identify research trends, key themes, and knowledge gaps. The findings emphasize the significant environmental and economic benefits of Vetiver grass, including its ability to enhance soil stability, control erosion, and treat polluted environments. Case studies in Vietnam further demonstrate its successful integration into slope stabilization projects, riverbank reinforcement, and flood mitigation strategies. The paper advocates for the broader adoption of Vetiver grass in sustainable infrastructure development and disaster risk reduction, while identifying future research directions to expand its applications.