Fences and soil erosion control
Guatemala grass is used for hedges or for contour stripping of cassava crops planted on steep slopes. Guatemala grass is a good soil binder and organic matter builder (FAO, 2012). In the highlands of East and Central Africa, it is used to combat soil erosion and increase the stability of contour bunds (Akyeampong et al., 1996). Guatemala grass is more effective at controlling soil erosion when combined with companion trees such as Sesbania, Grevillea or Desmodium (FAO, 2012; Bationo et al., 2011).
Soil improvement
Guatemala grass can be used as mulch to improve soil (Cook et al., 2005; Rao, 2000). In tea plantations, Guatemala grass mulch increased 3-year-old tea yields by 10% (Sandaman et al., 1976).
Other environmental services
Guatemala grass helps to control weeds, which, in turn, results in a reduction in nematode infestation. For instance, it is used in tea plantations for rejuvenating soils during fallow and preventing Meloidogyne nematode infestations (Naturland, 2000). In Burundi, Guatemala grass has been used to reduce bacterial wilt in potato plantations (Cook et al., 2005).
Human health concern
Though contour stripping with Guatemala grass has many advantages, it is reported to harbour more rodents than other grasses, causing a potential health hazard (plague) (Kamugisha et al., 2007; Mati, 2006).