Optimizing calcium nutrition for yield and quality improvement in peanut (Arachis hypogea)

Abstract

Peanut (Arachis hypogea L.) is a vital legume crop valued for its nutritional and economic significance, particularly in developing countries. Calcium (Ca) plays a crucial role in peanut pod development, yet comparative research on different calcium sources under uniform agronomic conditions remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of various calcium fertilizers—gypsum, dolomitic limestone, nano calcium, zeolite, and calcium nitrate—on the growth, yield, calcium content, and oil content of peanut. Conducted under a controlled experimental setup using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), the study assessed parameters such as pod number, pod weight, seed weight, shelling percentage, calcium and oil content. Results showed that treatments with dolomitic limestone and calcium nitrate significantly enhanced pod and seed weights, reduced the number of pop pods, and resulted in the highest dry yields, with calcium nitrate achieving an 81.63% yield advantage over the control. Gypsum treatment yielded the highest seed calcium content (79 mg), while oil content remained relatively unaffected across all treatments. Although shelling percentage and 100-seed weight did not differ significantly, calcium application, particularly through calcium nitrate and dolomitic limestone, demonstrated strong potential for improving peanut yield and seed quality. The findings support the inclusion of these calcium sources in integrated soil fertility strategies for sustainable peanut production.