Introduction to Major Field Crops

Nutrient Management

Groundnut being a legume and an oil seed crop has greater requirement for phosphorus and sulphur. Phosphorus is a constituent of enzymes, phospholipids and proteins while sulphur is a constituent of S containing amino acids and helps in fatty acid synthesis. Calcium is another important mineral for groundnut production and has pronounced effect on proper development of pods and kernels.Just like other legumes, groundnut meets the major part of its nitrogen requirement through the nitrogen fixation.

Well decomposed farm yard manure or compost at 5-10 tones may be added per hectare about 15-20 days before sowing.An application of 20-40 kg nitrogen per hectare as a starter dose is given to meet the nitrogen requirement of the crop in the initial stage.Nitrogen is to be applied through ammonium sulphate than urea as it supplies sulphur in addition to nitrogen.Since groundnut is a legume crop seed inoculation with rhizobium @ 375 g/ha is highly beneficial.It is necessary to supply about 50-60 kg P2O5 and 30-40 kg K2O/ha to meet the requirement of the crop. Phosphorus should be applied preferably through super phosphateas it supplies sulphur in addition to phosphorus. The fertilizers should be placed at the time of sowing about 4-5 cm in the side of the seed and 4-5 cm below the seed level.

Calcium and sulphur should besupplied each @ 40 kg/ha. Application of gypsum at the rate of 125 kg/ha meets the required quantity of S and Ca.In zinc deficiency areas apply ZnSO4 @ 15-20 kg/ha to thesoil or spray 0.50 per cent ZnSO4and 0.25 per cent lime. In iron deficiency areas apply FeSO4 @ 10 kg/ha to the soil or spray 0.15 per cent FeSO4and 0.80 per cent lime.