A Recirculating Hydroponic System for Studying Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) plants were grown hydroponically, using continuously recirculating nutrient solution. Two culture tray designs were tested; one tray design used only nutrient solution, while the other used a sphagnum-filled pod development compartment just beneath the cover and above the nutrient solution. Both trays were fitted with slotted covers to allow developing gynophores to reach the root zone. Peanut seed yields averaged 350 g·m-2 dry mass, regardless of tray design, suggesting that substrate is not required for hydroponic peanut production.