PARAMETROS AGROPRODUCTIVOS Y VALOR NUTRICIONAL EN PLANTAS DE CACAHUATE EN RESPUESTA A LA BIOESTIMULACIÓN CON SILICIO

<p><strong>Background. </strong>Peanuts (<em>Arachis hypogaea</em> L.) are a legume recognized for their high value in macro and micronutrients, whose combination makes it a functional food in various diets. In addition, the use of silicon as a biostimulant, and its relationship with the symbiosis established in legumes, make it a beneficial element of interest in peanut cultivation. <strong>Objective. </strong>To evaluate the edaphic application of silicon (Si) on morphological changes, yield, proximal seed composition, as well as the profitability index of peanut crops. Si was used at a dose of 28, 35 and 42 kg/ha, and a control group (without Yes). The change in crop growth, yield and its components, pod quality, proximal composition, and B/C ratio of Si use were evaluated. <strong>Results. </strong>The results propose a positive Si footprint in the crop, by significantly increasing the height of the plants (9.75%), an improvement in the quality of the pods, an increase in yield (11%), a significant change in the proximal composition (more protein, lipids and ash, and lower moisture index), and an increase in profitability (16.47% higher than the ordinary index). Additionally, an advance in the number of days needed for flowering to occur was noted. <strong>Implications.</strong> This could be due to the interaction of Si with the symbiosis that occurs between legumes and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, in addition to the biostimulant response of plants to Si. <strong>Conclusions</strong>. The Si promoted growth, productivity, and also generated a positive economic footprint in peanut cultivation.</p>