Impact of Different Nitrogen and Potassium Application on Yield and Fiber Quality of Ramie (Boehmeria nivea)

Nitrogen and potassium are main mineral elements affect yield and quality in fiber plant production. Experiments to determine the effects of four nitrogen (0, 70, 140 & 210 kg/ha) and three potassium (0, 75 & 150 kg/ha) levels to fiber yield and quality of ramie plants were conducted in a two years field experiment. Stem number, plant height and stem yield were significantly affected by nitrogen applications. Potassium fertilization impact upon plant height and stem yield was observed, whereas stem number was not changed. Nitrogen significantly increased dry matter formation on stem and fiber yield of plants. Fiber length, fineness and strength were not changed appreciably by different nitrogen applications. Higher amounts of potassium fertilization contributed fiber strength but fiber yield did not change. It was concluded that nitrogen mostly improved plant growth and fiber yield while potassium had discernible effects on fiber quality. © 2010 Friends Science Publishers