Best Fertilizer and Irrigation Practices for Groundnut Farming

 

The groundnut plant thrives in well-drained soil and warm conditions, but to reach high yields, efficient irrigation and fertilizer management are crucial. Traditional flood irrigation often causes nutrient leaching and uneven moisture, affecting pod development. Modern drip irrigation and fertigation systems solve this problem with precision delivery.

Importance of Balanced Nutrition in Groundnut Farming

Groundnut being a leguminous crop has the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through root nodules. However, it still requires a balanced supply of essential nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and sulfur for better pod formation and kernel quality.

Fertilizer Management

To improve productivity, focus on balanced and timely nutrition for the groundnut plant:

• Soil Testing: Start with a soil test to determine the right fertilizer combination.
• Base Fertilization: Apply recommended doses of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) during land preparation.
• Fertigation: Adopt Netafim’s precision fertigation systems to feed nutrients through water. This ensures every drop carries essential elements directly to the root zone.
• Split Applications: Supply nitrogen and micronutrients in smaller, frequent doses for maximum absorption.
• Use of Water-Soluble Fertilizers: Choose high-quality, water-soluble fertilizers to prevent clogging and ensure uniform distribution.

Irrigation Practices

Efficient irrigation helps maintain soil moisture without waterlogging, ensuring better pegging and pod filling.

• Drip Irrigation: Netafim’s micro-drip solutions help deliver water uniformly to the groundnut plant roots while saving up to 40% of water.
• Moisture Monitoring: Use soil moisture sensors or scheduling tools to irrigate only when required.
• Avoid Overwatering: Excess moisture can damage pods and reduce oil content.
• Irrigation Scheduling: During flowering and pod formation, maintain consistent moisture levels.

Efficient Irrigation Practices for Groundnut Plant

Water management plays a crucial role in achieving higher yields. Groundnut is sensitive to both waterlogging and moisture stress. Proper irrigation scheduling ensures consistent soil moisture, leading to uniform pod filling.

Drip Irrigation System for Groundnut

Drip irrigation is one of the most efficient methods to irrigate groundnut crops. Netafim India’s Drip Irrigation Systems help in precision water delivery, improving root growth and saving up to 50% of water compared to traditional flood irrigation.

Benefits of Drip Irrigation:

• Delivers water directly to the root zone
• Reduces evaporation and weed growth
• Enables fertigation through the same system
• Enhances yield and oil content
• Supports sustainable and cost-effective farming

Conclusion

Adopting precision fertigation and drip irrigation transforms the way groundnut farming is practiced. These modern techniques ensure that nutrients and water reach the crop exactly when and where needed, reducing waste and improving yield quality. Farmers using Netafim’s drip irrigation systems can expect better soil health, consistent moisture levels, and higher pod productivity while conserving water and fertilizer resources. Embracing such sustainable practices is the key to a profitable and climate-smart groundnut cultivation future.