During the land preparation phase, plow to a depth of 15-20cm. If the soil appears lumpy after plowing, it is advisable to perform harrowing to achieve a fine, level ground. After preparing the land, it is recommended to wait for 2-3 rains before proceeding with planting. Ideally, planting should take place between April and June. Planting after July may result in reduced yields, while planting too early can lead to crop failure if followed by a prolonged dry spell.
Spacing Guidelines:
When sowing groundnut seeds, ensure they are placed approximately 3cm deep in the planting holes. Avoid excessive compaction of the soil over the seeds. After covering the seeds with soil, gently press down to ensure good seed-to-soil contact, promoting successful germination. Overly compacted soil can hinder seedlings’ emergence.
Benefits of Row Planting:
Clearly mark out rows using pegs and lines before sowing your seeds. Row planting offers several advantages for your farm, enhancing operational efficiency. It also facilitates achieving an optimal plant population in your field, leading to higher yields. Seek advice from experts to determine the most suitable planting distance for your specific variety.
Spacing for Groundnuts:
Groundnuts can be sown either on level ground or ridges. Ridges should be employed for groundnut cultivation only in areas with sufficient moisture, as it requires significant labor.
Three main spacing options for groundnuts include: 60cm by 10cm, 60cm by 20cm, and 50cm by 20cm. Maintain a distance of either 60cm or 50cm between rows and choose between 10cm, 20cm, or 30cm between plants in the same row. Utilize a tape measure for accurate measurements. Keep in mind that the choice of spacing depends on the cultivated variety, which, in turn, determines the required seed quantity per acre. With proper spacing, a plant population of approximately 90,000 plants can be achieved per acre.