Peanuts are starting to bloom and this is the time of year when growers should be applying calcium. Some growers will apply calcium regardless just because that is the way they always have grown peanuts. I guess you could say the “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it mentality,” but do they really need calcium? A great way to find out is to pull a pegging zone sample. By pulling a pegging zone sample growers can make an informed decision to apply additional calcium or to save that money and invest it in a good fungicide program.
Growers should pull pegging zone samples just to the side of the existing peanut row about 3-4 inches deep to get an accurate calcium reading from the “pegging zone.” The results from the test will give you a report of the current calcium levels in the soil. The test results need to meet two requirements in order to skip on a calcium application.
- At least 500 lb/a of soil test calcium AND
- Calcium to potassium ratio is 3:1 or better
In this case, you don’t need to apply gypsum. If you do not meet EITHER of these requirements then you need to apply 1000 lb/a gypsum at early bloom. Also, all peanuts grown for seed should automatically receive this gypsum application regardless of soil test calcium levels.
Pegging Zone Sampling Video by some of my colleagues. Phillip Edwards ANR Agent in Irwin County and Guy Hancock in Turner County.
For more information about pegging zone samples or peanut production contact your local UGA Extension office.
Evans County Extension 912-739-1292
Candler County Extension 912-685-2408
