Growing Peanuts – Crop Nutrition 101

One of the major benefits of growing peanuts, or any legume is that the crop requires little nitrogen fertilizer. Peanuts are efficient legumes that fulfills its own N requirement through association with specific rhizobium (Bradyrhizobia). To access this benefit, it is recommended to inoculate every field, every year especially if out of peanut for 3 years or more and early-season scouting of nodulation should be part of the crop scouting program. 

To maximize yield and quality use a balanced fertility program based on soil testing that maintain adequate levels of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S) and micronutrients.  

Polysulphate is a neutral fertilizer that supply base cations such as Ca, Mg, and K, so while it may not increase the soil pH it won’t lower the pH either. We recommend applying Polysulphate at planting to supply, K, Mg, & S followed by Gypsum to supply the needed Ca at early bloom. Previous trial as shown positive response to Polysulphate application particularly in dryland peanut production system. 

The best strategy is to apply the recommended K fertilizer at planting based on soil test results. Remembering that sufficiency level for K is lower than for other crops as peanut is a good scavenger for K, Mg & S.  

The best strategy is to apply the recommended P fertilizer at planting based on soil test results. Remembering that sufficiency level for P is lower than for other crops as peanut is a good scavenger.