Effect of Spacing and Fertilizer Levels on Growth, Yield and Quality of Kharif Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract

Optimization of mineral nutrition is critical for maximizing groundnut productivity, as the crop has high nutrient requirements, particularly under newly released high-yielding cultivars that extract substantial nutrients from the soil. A study was conducted in the kharif season of 2022 at Bidi Tobacco Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat, India, to assess the impact of spacing and fertilizer rates on kharif groundnut. The experiment was structured as a split plot design and replicated on four occasions. Eight treatment combinations were used, consisting of two spacings, (S1) 45 cm and (S2) 60 cm as the main plot, along with four distinct NPK kg/ha fertiliser levels: (F1) 12.5-25-0, (F2) 12.5-25-25, (F3) 25-50-0 and (F4) 25-50-50 as subplots. Groundnut variety GG 34, planted at 60 cm and fertilized with 25-50-50 kg/ha, achieved the greatest plant height (30 DAS), branches per plant, pod yield and haulm yield compared to the other treatment combinations. The highest plant height at 60 DAS and at harvest under 45 cm spacing as compared to 60 cm spacing. The effect of spacing and fertilizer levels registered a non-significant effect on quality parameters (oil and protein content). However, an application of 25-50-50 kg/ha NPK resulted in significantly higher protein content in kernel.