Effects of sowing peanut with shells on key agronomic traits and yield

The peanut farming system plays a crucial role in the development of the agricultural industry. Traditionally, peanuts are sown as shelled seeds; however, systematic research on the agronomic performance and yield potential of planting with shells remains limited. In this study, we present a novel approach—peanut sowing with shells (P-S-S)—that promotes plant growth, enhances root development, and increases yield. This method also improves seed quality and elevates protein and oil content. Field trials conducted in the Huang-Huai-Hai region and northeastern China demonstrate the technique’s broad adaptability, resulting in an average yield increase of 12.9%, with gains reaching up to 41% in northeastern areas, even under a 20% reduction in seeding rate. We have refined a standardized planting protocol for P-S-S based on the principle of "Two Reductions and Two Increases": reduced input costs and post-harvest losses, along with increased production and economic benefits. This innovation contributes significantly to the advancement of peanut cultivation practices in China.