This paper presents preliminary results 01 chemical fertilizer experiments conducted at Campinas and Pindorama Experimental Stations on production of stems with leaves of the Murakami ramie (Boehmeria nivea) in two types of soils in the State of São Paulo. In CampiDas, on soil of the "roxa misturada" type, different effects of the treatments in the increasing of the production of stems with leaves have been found. In Pindorama, on soil oi the "Arenito Bauru" type, the results of experiment only showed a significant effect of phosphorus in increasing the production of stems with leaves.

Tests were made on samples of ramie fibers (Boehmeria nivea Hook., var. locally known as Murakami), obtained from three month old plants grown at Campinas, State of São Paulo. The harvested material was processed and the fibers were degummed and bleached by the methods described. The physical and chemical tests made on six samples of the fibers gave the following average results : PHYSICAL TESTS Length maximum.................................. 360 mm average .................................. 200 mm minimum .................................. 90 mm Width maximum ................................. 63 mm average................................... 32 mm minimum .................................. 16 mm Tensile Strength maximum ................................. 70 g average .................................. 32 g minimum .................................. 11 g Fineness .................................. 5.80 Higroscopicity ........................... 7.36% Reabsorption.............................. 7.94% Relation Y................................. 6198 Relation Z ................................. 5.68 CHEMICAL TESTS Hydyolvsis alpha...................................... 1.30% beta....................................... 2.56% Acid purifibation ....................... 2.30% Ash........................................ 1.20% Celulose.................................. 96.63%