Urtica, commonly known as ramie, is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family and is also referred to as kenaf or castor. "Xiazaa No. 1" ramie is an efficient cash crop introduced by the demonstration base in Mudan District, Heze City, Shandong Province. In addition to being a valuable economic plant, it is also a significant ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine. Its seeds, leaves, and roots are all used for medicinal purposes. This plant can be grown along roadsides, ditches, and hillsides. On average, it yields between 250-350 kg per mu, with profits ranging from 1200 to 1800 yuan per mu.
Ramie is a highly adaptable plant that thrives in a wide range of climates and soil conditions. It can grow in both acidic and alkaline soils across northern and southern China. However, it performs best in deep, fertile fields. It prefers warm, moist, and sunny environments but is sensitive to waterlogging.
For planting, ramie is typically propagated through seeds. It can be grown using either continuous or spaced cultivation methods. It's recommended to choose sunny slopes or fields during winter or early spring. The land should be deeply plowed, and farmyard manure (1000–2000 kg) should be applied as a base fertilizer. Adding 15 kg of urea, 10 kg of diammonium phosphate, and 7 kg of potassium sulfate can further improve growth. Ramie can also be planted near homes, villages, roadsides, or pond edges. Sowing is done when spring temperatures rise above 15°C, with rows spaced 100 cm apart and 80 cm between plants, placing 2–3 seeds per hole. Germination usually occurs within 10–15 days when the soil temperature reaches around 10°C.
Field management involves several key steps. After seedlings develop 3–4 true leaves, weak plants should be removed. When the plants reach about 20 cm in height, one strong seedling should be left per hole, and weeding should be done simultaneously. A balanced nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizer is applied when flower spikes appear to enhance fruiting rates. Topping is performed when the plant reaches 40–50 cm in height, by removing the top to encourage branching. During the flowering period, if rain interferes with pollination, artificial pollination or shaking neighboring plants can help increase yield. Drainage is crucial, as ramie is prone to root rot in waterlogged conditions. Pest control is generally minimal due to the plant’s natural toxicity, though young seedlings may be vulnerable to ground beetles, which can be managed similarly to other crops.
Harvesting should be done in batches, as the fruits mature at different times. When approximately 80% of the pods on the ear turn yellow-brown, the entire panicle is harvested. After drying, the seeds are threshed and further dried for storage. With proper care and management, ramie offers both agricultural and medicinal value, making it a versatile and profitable crop for farmers.