Effect of Planting Density and Fertilizer Application on Fiber Yield of Ramie (Boehmeria nivea)

As the most important cultural practices for ramie (Boehmeria nivea) production, the single effects of plant density and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) fertilization on yield are well documented. To achieve the high yield and quality of ramie fiber, it is principal to quantify the fertilizer dosage for ramie sustainable production. A central composite design (CCD) was adopted with three replications, for a two-year field experiment (2008-2009) in the Yangtze River Valley of China. The aim was to evaluate both the individual and combined effects of plant density and N, P, and K fertilization on yield and fiber quality. The effects of the four factors on yield and quality of ramie cultivar Huazhu 4 were tested. Then mathematical models of the relationship among the four factors affecting ramie production and quality were established and analyzed to optimize the four factors, and used to establish optimum cultivation methods for the elite cultivar suitable to this area of the Yangtze River Valley. Supplements of N (X2), P (X3) and K (X4), and the density (X1) with N (X2) interaction significantly influenced strength in tests of mature ramie. The influence on fiber yield in the two year tests by the four factors ranked as follows: X3>X4>X1>X2. We established the optimization technique attaining yield of 2600 kg ha−1 in the tests as following: density of 28 350–31 650 plants ha-1, and supplements of N, P and K of 363-387, 98.58-105.48 and 280.20-319.8 kg ha−1, respectively. It was concluded that nitrogen mostly improved plant growth and fiber yield while potassium had discernible effects on fiber quality.