Best Fertilizer for Groundnut in India
Groundnut (peanut) is an oilseed and a legume that fixes nitrogen through Rhizobium nodules, so it needs only a small starter dose of nitrogen but responds well to phosphorus. As an oilseed
Overview
Groundnut (peanut) is an oilseed and a legume that fixes nitrogen through Rhizobium nodules, so it needs only a small starter dose of nitrogen but responds well to phosphorus. As an oilseed it also needs sulphur, and because its pods form underground it has a special need for calcium, best supplied as gypsum, for proper pod filling. A good Rhizobium and PSB seed treatment supplies much of the nitrogen. Most fertiliser goes as a basal dose, with gypsum applied at the pegging and flowering stage. Always base your dose on a soil test or Soil Health Card and confirm local rates with your KVK, as soils differ widely.
Recommended NPK dose for Groundnut
A typical recommended dose is about 8 to 10 kg N, 20 kg P2O5, 12 kg K2O and 8 kg sulphur per acre, which is about 20 to 25 kg N, 50 kg P2O5, 30 kg K2O and 20 kg sulphur per hectare. Note the low nitrogen and high phosphorus typical of legumes, plus sulphur for the oilseed. In addition, apply about 100 kg gypsum per acre, around 200 to 250 kg per hectare, for calcium at pegging. These are general ranges only. Get a soil test or Soil Health Card done and follow the dose advised by your KVK.
Application schedule
Apply the full nitrogen, phosphorus, potash and half the gypsum as a basal dose at sowing, placed near the seed. Apply the remaining gypsum, the main calcium source, at the pegging and flowering stage about 40 to 45 days after sowing, by banding it along the rows where the pegs enter the soil. This is the key timing for pod filling. No nitrogen top dressing is needed because nodules supply nitrogen. Light earthing up at gypsum application helps pegs enter the soil.
Organic & bio-fertilizers
Mix 4 to 5 tonnes of well rotted FYM or compost per acre, about 8 to 10 tonnes per hectare, into the soil before sowing. Treat seed first with fungicide, then with groundnut Rhizobium at 5 g per kg seed plus PSB at 5 g per kg seed, handling the kernels gently as they break easily, dry in shade and sow the same day. This supplies much of the nitrogen and unlocks phosphorus. Vermicompost at 1 to 2 tonnes per acre can replace part of the FYM and improves soil structure for easy peg entry.
Micronutrients & deficiency signs
Calcium through gypsum is the most critical input for groundnut, as it fills the pods and reduces empty shells; apply about 100 kg gypsum per acre at pegging. Sulphur, also supplied by gypsum, raises oil content. Apply 8 to 10 kg sulphur per acre if not met by gypsum. Iron deficiency in calcareous soils shows as yellow new leaves with green veins, common in groundnut; spray 0.5 percent ferrous sulphate. Boron and zinc deficiencies are corrected only if a soil test confirms a shortage.
Tips & cautions
Never skip gypsum at pegging, as calcium is what fills the pods and prevents empty shells. Treat seed with fungicide first, then Rhizobium and PSB, handling kernels gently. Do not overuse nitrogen as it reduces nodulation. Use single super phosphate to supply phosphorus, sulphur and some calcium together. Ensure good drainage and loose soil for easy peg entry. Test your soil every two to three years and follow your KVK for the local dose.
These are general recommendations. For the exact dose, follow your Soil Health Card / soil test and local KVK, and avoid over-applying urea.
FAQs
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Groundnut pests & diseases
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