Several positive conclusions were drawn:

• Twin rows result in quicker canopy coverage
• Yields increased 549kg/ha, averaged over early to late plantings
• Grades increased an average 1 to 2 per cent

Previous research in the 1970s by Ellis Hauser and Gale Bucanan had already shown twin rows allowed for better weed control.

The research was carried out from 1996 to 2001 on numerous small plots and on-farm demonstration sites throughout Georgia which compared 17.5cm to 35.5cm twin rows against 1m single-row patterns.

Seeding rates were kept the same: three seeds per 30cm on each twin row or six seeds per 30cm on single-row planting patterns.

After examining the results, they estimated that if 50 per cent of the Georgia peanut acreage was planted to twin-row patterns there was a potential economic return of $US28 million in increased yield and another $US4 million in increased grade value to Georgia producers.

In 1999, approximately 35 per cent of Georgia peanut acreage was in twin-row patterns. In 2002, 50 per cent of Georgia acreage was in twin-row patterns.

Tests on planting twin rows under strip-tillage methods showed that a major factor to success was to centre the subsoiler between each set of twin rows. The yield response wasn't as great as with conventional twin rows but was still positive.

The concern with strip tillage was to get an adequate plant stand and to avoid excessive digging losses due to planting on level soil and not having good row definition for digging efficiency.

Another important factor on twin rows was to use a 76cm cut frog on the digger to avoid pulling peanuts off the inside twin rows.

Since the mid-70s, various researchers have looked at the effect of row pattern and seeding rates on yield and quality.

Since the 2000 crop year, the University of Georgia has recommended planting six seeds per 30cm on single rows and three seeds per 30cm row on twin rows.

Their research indicated there was no advantage to exceeding six seed per 30cm on single rows or three seed per 30cm on twin rows. It also showed that two seeds were insufficient.

• Are You Interested In Growing Peanuts?
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• 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

 
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