What kind of fertility should be used for peanuts

A sound peanut fertility program begins with crop rotation. Peanuts respond better to residual soil fertility than to direct fertilizer applications. For this reason, the crop immediately preceding peanuts and the fertilization of that crop is extremely important. By developing large and efficient root systems, peanuts become excellent scavengers for nutrients throughout the soil profile. Peanuts should not be used to build soil fertility — save that for corn, cotton, grain sorghum, etc.

If a soil test indicates the need for in-season fertilization, apply it before land preparation. That way the fertilizer can be distributed in the root zone during tillage.

Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium are the major nutrients necessary for peanut production. fortunately, peanuts can meet their own need for nitrogen if you apply the proper Rhizobiu inoculant. Most growers have had good success with both the liquid and granular inoculants. However, you may consider applying about 30 pounds of nitrogen at preplant to kick-start the peanut plant.

Again, residual soil fertility is the best source for phosphorus (phosphate) and potassium (potash). Be sure, though, that you don’t get too much of a good thing. Too much potassium in the upper two to four inches of soil — the pegging zone — can interfere with calcium uptake. Generally, soils testing moderate or higher do not require additional potassium. By the same token, too much phosphorus can interfere with the uptake of both iron and zinc.

Calcium is very important for pod and kernel development. Gypsum is the usual source of calcium on high pH soils. Fortunately, most soils in Texas had adequate amounts of calcium. If you have experienced a lot of single kernels and pops in the past, is probably a lack of calcium in the pegging zone. Remember, anything that inhibits the plant’s ability to access calcium can result in numerous single kernel pods, problems with shell integrity, and increased incidence of pod rot.

In at nutshell, to rein in on input costs, take advantage of the peanut plant’s built-in abilities and efficiencies in the area of fertility.

For Additional Information See our Website At: http://soil-testing.tamu.edu

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