Groundnuts, also known as peanuts, are a valuable crop that is highly nutritious and are used in various food products. However, groundnut cultivation requires specific requirements, such as proper soil fertility, to achieve a good yield. Fertilizer management is an essential aspect of groundnut farming, and the use of gypsum can significantly increase the crop’s yield.
What is Gypsum?
Gypsum is a form of calcium sulfate, a naturally occurring mineral. It is ground into a fine powder and used as a soil amendment to add calcium and sulfur to the soil. The addition of gypsum to soil can help improve soil structure, reduce soil compaction, and increase water infiltration.
Top Fertilizer Management for Groundnut with Gypsum Application:
1. Soil Test: Before applying any fertilizer, it is essential to conduct a soil test to determine the pH level, nutrient deficiencies, and the amount of gypsum required.
2. Soil Preparation: The soil should be adequately prepared for proper root penetration and optimal nutrient uptake. For groundnut cultivation, a well-drained sandy loam or sandy clay loam soil is ideal.
3. Recommended Nutrients: Groundnuts require specific nutrients for optimal growth, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The recommended NPK fertilizer application for groundnut farming is 60-40-50 kg/ha.
4. Gypsum Application: A gypsum application rate of 500 kg/ha is considered optimal for groundnut farming. The gypsum should be mixed well with the soil before sowing or planting.
5. Water Management: Proper irrigation management is essential for groundnut cultivation. The crop requires adequate water during the vegetative and flowering stages.
6. Fertilizer Timing: Fertilizer application should be timed correctly to ensure proper nutrient uptake at different growth stages. For groundnuts, it is ideal to apply nitrogen in split doses during the vegetative stage and flowering stage.
Conclusion:
Fertilizer management is a crucial aspect of groundnut farming, and the use of gypsum can significantly increase crop yield. Gypsum application should be done by following proper fertilizer management practices such as conducting a soil test, soil preparation, recommended nutrient application, gypsum application, water management, and timing of fertilizer application. These practices, when followed correctly, can ensure a good harvest and a high-quality crop.