Every farmer dreams of having a good crop, abundant production and being financially prosperous. Peanut is one such important oilseed crop of India. It is produced on a large scale in states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Peanut cultivation is a major source of income for farmers, so its care becomes extremely important. But often due to lack of proper knowledge of nutrients, the quality and yield of their crop gets affected. Proper nutrient management not only increases the yield of peanuts, but also maintains the fertility of the soil. In this article, we will discuss in detail the scientific aspects of nutrient management in peanut cultivation in Indian conditions, so that farmers can take advantage of it.
Soil testing and nutrient evaluation The first step of nutrient management starts with soil testing. Soil testing indicates the status of nutrients available in the soil such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulphur (S) and micronutrients (zinc, iron, boron, copper etc.). This test is easily available in government and private laboratories in India. It is necessary to use the correct amount of fertilizers based on the report obtained from the test.
Management of macronutrients
Nitrogen (N): Peanut is a legume crop, which is capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen. However, it is necessary to apply about 20-30 kg nitrogen per hectare in the initial growth stage. Excessive nitrogen application increases the green part of the plant, but may reduce the production of pods.
Phosphorus (P): Phosphorus is important for root growth, flowering and pod development in peanuts. Generally 40-60 kg phosphorus per hectare is recommended. Single super phosphate (SSP) or di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) can be used to increase the availability of phosphorus.
Potassium (K): Potassium increases drought tolerance of the plant and enhances disease resistance. Potassium content is moderate in most soils of India. About 40-50 kg potassium per hectare is required for groundnut crop.
Importance of secondary nutrients
Calcium (Ca): Calcium deficiency in groundnut pods leads to weakening of pod shells, which affects the quality of the yield. Gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O) is used to supplement calcium, which is usually applied at the rate of 200-400 kg per hectare 40-50 days after sowing.
Magnesium (Mg) and Sulphur (S): Magnesium helps in chlorophyll formation in plants and sulphur plays an important role in protein formation. Magnesium sulphate can be used to fulfil these.
Management of micronutrients
Zinc (Zn): Zinc deficiency is a common problem in many soils of India. Its deficiency results in light yellow spots on leaves and poor growth. Zinc sulphate is used at the rate of 25 kg per hectare or foliar spray in the form of 0.5% zinc sulphate solution.
Iron (Fe): Iron is essential for the formation of chlorophyll. Iron deficiency causes yellowing of leaves. A 0.5% solution of ferrous sulphate can be prepared and used through foliar spray.
Boron (B): Boron deficiency affects pod growth and fruit size. Boron can be fulfilment through borax or boronated fertilisers. Application of 10 kg borax per hectare in soil or foliar spray of 0.1% borax is useful.
Inclusion of organic fertilisers
Use of organic fertilisers is also beneficial in nutrient management in peanut crop. Rhizobium, phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB), and potash solubilizing bacteria (KSB) are mainly used in organic fertilizers. Rhizobium is a beneficial bacterium that stabilizes atmospheric nitrogen by forming nodules in the roots of peanuts, thereby supplying natural nitrogen to the plant. Phosphorus solubilizing bacteria dissolve the insoluble phosphorus available in the soil and make it available to the plants. Potash solubilizing bacteria (KSB) increase the availability of potassium in the soil. Regular use of these bacteria maintains the biological balance of the soil, improves the soil structure, and increases the water holding capacity of the soil, which keeps the plants healthy and increases production significantly. The use of organic fertilizers reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers, which also reduces the cost of cultivation.
Water management and availability of nutrients
The absorption of nutrients depends on proper water management. The availability of water enhances the mobility of nutrients in the soil, thereby facilitating their absorption by the plants. The water requirement of the peanut crop varies at different stages of its growth. The demand for water is particularly high during the period from sowing to flowering, and then during the development of pods. The use of drip irrigation and micro-sprinkler systems has proved to be highly beneficial for peanut cultivation in India. These irrigation methods save water, reducing water consumption by about 40-60%. Moreover, irrigation with these methods also reduces soil erosion and nutrients reach the roots of the plants more efficiently. Due to proper water management, the crop’s ability to fight diseases and pests also increases, ensuring increased production.
Challenges
The challenges of farmers in India are endless, but with the right information and adoption of scientific methods, these challenges can be reduced to a great extent. Peanut cultivation can prove to be a boon for farmers, if they adopt nutrient management in the right and scientific way. From soil testing to the correct use of organic fertilizers and micronutrients during farming, it is important to be aware and cautious at every step.
Use of modern agricultural techniques and proper water management also helps in increasing the availability of nutrients. Farmer brothers should keep regular contact with the Agriculture Department and Krishi Vigyan Kendras, follow their guidelines and take even small changes in their fields seriously.
Ultimately, through proper nutrient management, the yield and quality of peanuts will increase, which will empower the farmer brothers economically and bring prosperity in the agricultural sector. Only with the hard work, scientific understanding and dedication of the farmer brothers, India’s agriculture will be able to touch new heights. Let us move forward together, understand the soil, identify the crop and make our invaluable contribution to the agricultural development of the country.
Contact details: If farmers want to share information or experiences related to farming with us, then they can do this by calling us on the phone number 9599273766 or by writing an email to [email protected] or by sending your recording. Through Kisan of India, we will convey your message to the people, because we believe that if the farmers are advanced then the country is happy.