Response of ramie (Boehmeria nivea) cultivars to nutrient management and planting methods

A field experiment was conducted at Pundibari, Cooch Behar in West Bengal during 2003–05 to study the response of ramie [Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaud.] cultivars (‘R 1411’ and ‘R 67–34’) to different planting methods (ridge and flat-bed methods) and nutrient management [100 and 150% NPK supplied through chemical fertilizer, 50% N with 100% PK from chemical fertilizer + 50% N through ramie waste (1,339 kg/ha), and 50% N with 100% PK from chemical fertilizer + 50% N through vermicompost (828 kg/ha)]. Based on four cuttings, ramie cultivar ‘R 1411’ recorded higher fibre yield and net income under ridge-bed planting when supplied with 150% NPK through chemical fertilizer, which was on a par with that of 50% N with 100% PK from chemical fertilizer + 50% N through ramie waste. Integrated use of chemical fertilizer and ramie waste improved the pH and NPK status of the soil. ‘R 1411’ proved suitable with either sole application of 150% NPK of chemical fertilizer or combined use of chemical fertilizer and ramie waste under ridge-bed planting method to get optimum yield.