Effect of Three Ca Sources Applied On Peanuts I. Productivity and Seed Quality1

Abstract The relative effectiveness of United States Gypsum granular 420 Landplaster Bulk (420-Bulk) and Texasgulf Gypsum (Tg Gypsum) were compared with finely ground anhydrite (Bagged-LP) as sources of supplemental Ca for Florigiant peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.). Treatments included the above sources at rates of 605 kg/ha banded (61 cm) or 907 kg/ha broadcast (91-cm wide rows) of CaSO4 equivalent per unit area covered (double these rates of 420-Bulk and Bagged-LP also were applied in 1977). Times of application were planting, planting + ca 30 days, and early flowering stage. The experiments were located on Kenansville lfs (Arenic Hapludult) in 1977 and on Rumford lfs (Typic Hapludult) in 1978. The Ca treatments increased crop yields from 360 to 1,200 kg/ha and crop value (yield × price) from $343 to $889/ha over the check in 1977. Slightly lower yield increases were obtained in 1978 when dry conditions prevailed during fruit maturation. Kernel size grades were improved markedly by all Ca treatments in 1977. There was a definite trend both years (significant in 1978) toward higher productivity when the Ca sources were applied at the early flowering stage compared to earlier applications. No difference was noted between methods of application of Bagged-LP or Tg Gypsum in 1978. Double rates of Bagged-LP or 420-Bulk in 1977 did not increase productivity over the low rates. A single application of Bagged-LP was as effective as split applications in the 1978 test. Germinability of seed in 1977 averaged 85% or higher for all Ca treatments. Seed germination in 1978 averaged 75%, 69% and 74% in plots where Tg Gypsum, 420-Bulk or Bagged-LP was applied, respectively. Germination was lowest in the check plots both years. Germinability and seed-Ca contents were significantly higher in 1978 when the Ca sources were applied at the early flowering stage (ca July 1) than 15 days earlier. Seed-Ca contents both years and K contents in 1978 were significantly correlated with germinability. The correlation coefficients were only 0.4 in each case and the relationship was negative for K. In general, 420-Bulk, Tg Gypsum, or Bagged-LP were equally effective sources of supplemental Ca for peanuts. However, when fruit mature under very dry conditions 420-Bulk may be somewhat inferior to the other Ca sources especially when applied before early flowering.