Foliar Fertilization Effects on Yield, Quality, Nutrient Uptake, and Vegetative Characteristics of Florunner Peanuts.1,2

Abstract

Abstract This study was conducted to determine the effects of foliar-applied fertilizer on yield, quality, chemical composition, and vegetative characteristics of Florunner peanuts. Field experiments wre conducted over a four year period, 1976–1979, on two Coastal Plain soils. Foliar fertilizer containing, N, P, K, and S was applied at varying rates and intervals during the growing season. Plants were sampled at three stages of growth to study vegetative characteristics and chemical composition. Yield and quality factors were taken at harvest. Foliar fertilizer applied at various rates at different time intervals did not increase yields at either location during the four year study. A slight increase in %SMK was noted in 1976 at one site for the highest rate applied late in the growing season. The two highest rates (168 and 224 kg/ha) caused severe burn damage to the foliage in 1977 and 1978, and consequently only the low rate (112 kg/ha) was used in 1979. In 1978, pod number was reduced with the highest rate at one location for one of three sampling dates, while at the other there was some increase in number of pegs and pods for one sampling date with increased foliar fertilization. Peanut tops were analyzed for N, P, K, Ca, and Mg. Phosphorus and K increased for the highest rate for one sampling date in 1978 at one site. Results of these studies indicate that foliar N, P, K, and S fertilization does not increase yield, grade, pegs, pods, or nutrient uptake of peanuts.