Peanut Research Proves the Power of Polysulphate

Research in Vietnam finds that using Polysulphate with a peanut crop significantly improves crop yield and increases financial returns for farming households.

Peanut Performance

Peanuts have a powerful part to play in Vietnamese agriculture. In research carried out in Binh Dinh province peanut crops are an important part of the traditional crop rotation and have the potential to be a significant source of income for farmers, as well as protein in the regional diet. However, a combination of inadequate crop nutrition, declining soil health and increasing soil acidity has led to generally poor productivity and crop quality.

Polyhalite on Trial

The study evaluated the effects of potash and Polysulphate to develop fertilizer recommendations for the Central Coast of Vietnam. Crop development was monitored closely from germination to harvest. Soil examinations were carried out before and after harvest to measure the texture, pH, organic matter, and residual levels of nutrients.

Proving How Peanuts and Soils Benefit

The results showed that giving optimum doses of K (60 kg/ha) and Polysulphate (214 kg/ha) in 2 applications gave rise to a 24% increase in yield and 98% increase in net benefit to the farmer. In addition, it was found that using Polysulphate created a balanced N-P-K-S management leading to enhanced soil fertility and a sustainable cropping system.

References

The research paper Agronomic Efficiency of Polyhalite Application on Peanut Yield and Quality in Vietnam is available in e-ifc No. 47, published by the International Potash Institute.