Objective To explore the effects of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium levels on the growth of burmareed, Neyraudia reynaudiana.

Method Nutrient solution-sand culture experiment was applied to study the response of burmareed which was a very excellent soil and water conservation plant at different nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium levels.

Result and conclusion The results indicated that 0.750 mmol·L^-1 N and 0.030 mmol·L^-1 K significantly affected the burmareed growth and reduced the aboveground and underground biomass of burmareed. The concentration of 0.005 mmol·L^-1 P did not affect the aboveground biomass, but significantly reduced the underground biomass. The effect of 0.750 mmol·L^-1 N on the growth of burmareed was significantly stronger than that of 0.030 mmol·L^-1 P and 0.030 mmol·L^-1 K. In low P and K condition, burmareed could increase root length and surface area, which displayed its strong capacity of adapting and self-adjusting for low P and K stress. Supplement of nitrogen is very important for revegetation with burmareed.