Groundnut farming: What to consider
(As recommended by International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, ICRISAT)
Soil and Climatic Requirements Groundnut grows best in a well-drained sandy loam or in sandy clay loam soils. Deep, well drained soils with a pH of 6.57.0 and high fertility are ideal. Heavy soils are not suitable as this leads to high pod loss and difficulty of harvest.
Seed selection and planting date:
Ecological zone, recommended varieties and planting date (For this Wet Season)
Sahel Savanna:
Sokoto, Yobe, Borno, Jigawa, the recommended seed varieties are: Samnut 24, Samnut 25 and Samnut 26 planting should start early July. Sudan Savanna which covers areas like Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Borno, and Bauchi, the varieties like Samnut 24 Samnut 25, Samnut 26 should be considered and planting should start from end of June to early July. Northern Guinea Savanna (NGS): Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamava, Niger should consider varieties like Samnut 21 Samnut 22 Samnut 23 and Samnut 24 wheares planting time should be Mid- to end of June. Southern Guinea Savanna (SGS): Niger, Kwara, Nasarawa, Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Benue, Taraba, Adamava varieties like Samnut 10, Samnut 21 Samnut 22 will do better. 1st Planting should be donein Maywhile 2nd Planting at end July
Kwara, Nasarawa, Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Oyo states should consider: Samnut 10, Samnut 21, Samnut 22 varieties. 1st Planting in May while 2nd Planting, end July
Derived Weeding Savanna:
Groundnut cannot compete effectively with weeds, especially during the first 3-6 weeks after sowing. There is a need, therefore, for early weed control for better yield. The average yield loss due to weeds has been reported to be about 30% and may reach up to 60% under poor management practices.
Fertilizer Requirements
Groundnut has been reported to respond better to residual fertility than to direct fertilization. This means if a well-fertilized crop precedes a groundnut crop, direct fertilization may not increase the yield or quality of the groundnuts. If fertilizer is needed, it is best to broadcast and incorporate it with the soil during the land preparation.
Compiled by:Vincent A.Yusuf