Peanuts have a high calcium requirement. Calcium must be available to the developing peg and pod in a water-soluble
form in the pegging zone area. If you need to apply calcium (in the form of gypsum, landplaster) it needs to be applied at
early flowering. Pull the sample slightly offset of the peanut row about 3 inches deep. Pegging zone samples need to
show 500 pounds of soil test calcium. If you are at the 500 mark or better and you have a 3 to 1 calcium to potassium
ratio then calcium requirements should be met. 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. Soil sample bags are available at the Extension Office if you would like
to do pegging zone tests.

 

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