Urtica, commonly known as ramie or kenaf, belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and is widely recognized for its versatility. "Xiazaa No. 1" ramie is a high-yield cash crop introduced by the demonstration base in Mudan District, Heze City, Shandong Province. It also holds significant value in traditional Chinese medicine, with its seeds, leaves, and roots used for various therapeutic purposes. This plant can be cultivated along roadside ditches, hillside areas, and other open spaces. On average, it yields about 250-350 kg per mu, generating an income of 1200-1800 yuan per mu.
Ramie is a highly adaptable plant that thrives in a variety of climates and soil types. It can grow in both acidic and alkaline soils across northern and southern China. However, it performs best in deep, well-drained, and fertile fields. It prefers warm, moist, and sunny environments but is sensitive to waterlogging.
For planting, ramie is typically grown from seeds. It can be cultivated in contiguous rows or in scattered patterns. Ideal locations include sunny slopes, open fields, or even near homes, villages, roadsides, and pond edges. In winter or early spring, the soil should be deeply plowed and enriched with 1000-2000 kg of farmyard manure as a base fertilizer. Adding 15 kg of urea, 10 kg of diammonium phosphate, and 7 kg of potassium sulfate can further enhance growth. Sowing is best done when the spring temperature reaches around 15°C, with a row spacing of 100 cm and 80 cm between plants. Each hole should have 2-3 seeds. Germination usually occurs within 10-15 days when the soil temperature reaches approximately 10°C.
Field management plays a crucial role in ensuring a healthy crop. After seedlings develop 3-4 true leaves, weak plants should be removed, and only the strongest one should remain per hole. At this stage, cultivation should be combined with weeding. When the plant reaches about 20 cm in height, a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium compound fertilizer can be applied to boost flowering and fruiting.
Topping is another important practice. Once the seedlings reach 40-50 cm in height, the top should be removed to encourage branching and increase yield. During the pollination period, especially if there's heavy rain, artificial pollination or shaking nearby plants can help improve pollination success, leading to higher fruit set.
Proper drainage is essential, as ramie is prone to root rot in waterlogged conditions. Farmers should ensure good drainage, particularly during the rainy season. Pest control is generally minimal due to the plant’s natural toxicity. However, young seedlings may be vulnerable to ground beetles, which can be managed using standard agricultural practices.
Harvesting should be done in stages, as the fruits mature at different times. The optimal time to harvest is when about 80% of the pods on the panicle turn yellow-brown. Once harvested, the fruits are dried, then threshed to extract the seeds, which can be further dried for storage or sale. With proper care and management, ramie remains a valuable and profitable crop for farmers.