Groundnut is an important crop, which is grown all over the world for its edible seeds that are rich in oil and protein. Being a leguminous crop, groundnut can fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil, which reduces the need for nitrogenous fertilizers. However, groundnut requires other essential nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients for its optimal growth and yield.
Phosphorus is an important nutrient for groundnut, as it is required for root development, seed formation, and energy metabolism. The recommended dosage of phosphorus for groundnut is 40 to 60 kg/ha, depending on the soil type and nutrient status. Phosphorus can be applied as diammonium phosphate (DAP) or single superphosphate (SSP) at the time of sowing or as a top-dressing during the vegetative stage.
Potassium is another important nutrient for groundnut, which is required for plant growth, stress tolerance, and oil content. The recommended dosage of potassium for groundnut is 20 to 30 kg/ha, depending on the soil type and nutrient status. Potassium can be applied as muriate of potash (MOP) or sulphate of potash (SOP) at the time of sowing or as a top-dressing during the reproductive stage.
Micronutrients like iron, zinc, boron, and manganese are also important for groundnut, as they play a vital role in plant growth and development. Deficiency of these micronutrients can lead to stunted growth, reduced yield, and poor quality seeds. The recommended dosage of micronutrients for groundnut varies from 0.5 to 2 kg/ha, depending on the type and severity of the deficiency. Micronutrient fertilizers like ferrous sulphate, zinc sulphate, borax, and manganese sulphate can be applied as a foliar spray or as a basal application.
In addition to these essential nutrients, groundnut also requires organic matter for maintaining soil fertility and moisture. Organic matter can be supplied through green manure, crop residues, compost, and farmyard manure. The recommended dosage of organic matter for groundnut is about 5 to 10 tonnes/ha, depending on the soil type and nutrient status.
In conclusion, groundnut requires a balanced supply of essential nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients for its optimal growth and yield. The fertilizer requirement can vary depending on the soil type, nutrient status, and cropping system. Therefore, it is important to conduct soil testing and nutrient analysis before deciding on the fertilizer dose and application schedule.