Nutrient Management for Targeted Yield for the Groundnut Crop in Lateritic Soils

A study was conducted in the southern lateritic soils of Kerala to test and verify the STCR-based targeted yield equation for groundnut, which was developed under the AICRP on STCR. The experiment was conducted at a latitude of 8° 25’ 46’’ N and 76° 59’ 21’’ E longitude, at 36.16 m above mean sea level in 2023. The crop variety used in the experiment was CO-7. The study followed a randomised block design (RBD) involving four replications and six treatments. The treatments included- T1–where nutrient management was carried out under organic management practices, T2-Kerala Agricultural University Package of Practices Recommendations: crops (KAU, 2016) based soil test recommendations, T3, T4, T5 and T6 were based on STCR–driven fertilizer prescription for yield targets of 2.6, 3, 3.4 and 3.8 tonnes respectively. The fertilizer applied for a yield target of 3.8 tonnes, i.e., T6 recorded a significantly higher plant height, number of branches per plant and dry matter production. Yield parameters such as the number of pods per plant, test weight, pod length, and pod girth were highest in treatment T5. The treatments T3 and T4 attained their respective yield targets. However, even though treatment T5 recorded the highest yield, a superior B: C ratio of 2.65 compared to other treatments, it failed in attaining the expected targeted yield. Further supplementation of fertilizers as in treatment T6 led to a reduction in yield and the same was also unsuccessful in fulfilling the yield target. The STCR–based targeted yield equation can be used up to a target of 3 tonnes, and since a higher yield of 3.31 tonnes in treatment T5, a yield target of 3.4 tonnes can also be utilized. Therefore, adopting this technology would aid in proper utilization of resources and enhance the productivity of groundnut thereby, helping farmers get better economic returns.