PCA requires that all new paddocks be tested for pesticide and heavy metal residue prior to planting. These tests can be carried out at PCA's Innovation and Technical Centre.

Peanuts prefer a weed-free, moderately fine seedbed. As they develop an extensive root system, deep ripping to break up soil compaction may be necessary. Peanuts also require loose soil in which to "peg" (ie re-enter the soil to develop underground nuts).

Seed is treated with fungicide before planting to reduce seedling diseases. It is not worthwhile for farmers to plant untreated seed as germination rates will drop to less than 40 per cent.

Planting can start any time after the soil temperature reaches 18 degrees Celsius at planting depth (50-70mm). This is measured at 9am for three days in a row. Planting is delayed if rain is expected within three or four days. Planting is also timed to ensure the crop is ready for harvest before frosts begin and when there is a low risk of rain.

In high rainfall areas, formation of raised beds prior to planting may be necessary.

Weeds compete with the peanut crop for moisture, nutrients and light and also cause major problems at harvest time. Early control of weeds during the first six weeks is critical. Yields will be slashed if weeds are allowed to compete unchecked at this stage.

The presence of weeds also causes losses during digging, threshing and drying - entangling machinery, knocking peanuts off the bush and leading to mould damage by causing uneven drying in the windrow.

Weeds can also restrict air flow during the drying process, creating pockets of moisture which have the potential to cause aflatoxin.

A combination of cultivation, herbicides and hand-chipping are usually required to control weeds.

Soil fertility is very important. During the growing of the peanut pod, calcium and boron are absorbed through the shell rather than through the plant's roots. This impacts on the method and timing of fertiliser applications.

Peanuts tolerate a wide range of soil acidity levels, however ideally the pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0. Soils that are more acidic than this (below pH 6.0) should be limed. Make sure your soil test is properly interpreted by a qualified agronomist.

Peanut yields are maximised by rotating with other crops over a three-year period. Peanuts fix nitrogen into the soil however they also remove essential nutrients that need to be replaced to ensure true yield potential is achieved.

Some farmers grow peanuts for two seasons in one paddock and then rotate out for three to five seasons.

PCA recommends that peanuts are rotated with other crops once in three seasons. Examples of successful rotation crops are maize, wheat, sorghum, grass, sugarcane and potatoes.

• Are You Interested In Growing Peanuts?
• Peanut Production Guide (545kb)
• Peanut Production Checklist (174kb)
• Peanuts and Sugarcane (105kb)
• Peanuts and Cotton (66kb)
• Irrigation vs Dryland Cropping
• Soil Preparation
• Peanuts and Fertilisers
• Twin Rows Boost Yields and Grades

 
More information of specialist interest to peanut growers, including information and videos from the Best Management in Peanuts research, is available in the password-protected Insite area of this website. Contact us for more information.