Soil Preparation

Soil Preparation

Soil preparation is very important in reducing the potential for peanut diseases. Allow time between decomposition of previous crop residue and growth of a subsequent peanut crop to reduce the numbers of soil fungi involved with the decomposition process. Approximately three months before planting, fields should be plowed as deep as necessary to turn under all surface residues. Adequate soil moisture and nutrients should be available to enhance decomposition of crop residues. It may be necessary, in the case of large-stalk residues, to add nitrogen to assist in the growth of soil microbes that are responsible for residue decomposition. Nitrogen not used by the decomposition process normally will be available for the peanut crop. Row spacing at 36 or 38 inches produces more disease-free crops requiring less fungicide and higher economic yields than other spacings.