Peanut flowering under irrigation technique
2025-08-21 13:10:10
Peanut flowering and pegging stage is the most vigorous growth phase of the plant. During this time, the leaf area expands significantly, stem and leaf growth accelerates, and a large number of flower buds develop into pods. Additionally, the plant has a high water demand due to increased transpiration from leaves and high evaporation from the soil. This makes it the critical period when peanuts require the most water. Proper timing and scientific irrigation are essential for achieving high yields.
1. Understand the water demand pattern. The general rule of water consumption during the entire growth cycle of peanuts follows a "low at the beginning and end, high in the middle" pattern. The flowering and pegging stage falls in the mid-growth period, which is the most sensitive to water availability. Large-seeded peanuts account for 48.2% to 59.1% of total water use, with daily consumption around 60 cubic meters per hectare. For medium and small-seeded varieties, the water use ranges from 52.1% to 61.4%, with daily consumption between 18 to 30 cubic meters per hectare.
2. Monitor soil moisture levels. When the soil moisture drops below 50% of the maximum water-holding capacity during the flowering stage, flower production decreases, fertilization becomes less effective, and the development of pegs and pods slows down. On the other hand, if the moisture exceeds 80% of the field capacity, the soil becomes saturated, leading to poor aeration, hindered root respiration, and slower above-ground growth. In windy conditions, pegs may fall over, causing damage to developing pods and reducing yield. It's recommended to irrigate immediately when the 5 cm soil moisture is below 6% or the 20 cm depth is below 10%.
3. Apply appropriate irrigation techniques. There are three main methods: furrow, sprinkler, and drip irrigation.
Furrow irrigation involves digging trenches between rows and allowing water to flow through them, slowly soaking into the root zone. This method conserves water, reduces soil erosion, and minimizes compaction. It can be done alternately between rows depending on spacing—every three rows for 20 cm spacing, or across two rows for 40 cm spacing. For compacted soils, raising the furrows helps loosen the soil and improve root penetration.
Sprinkler irrigation saves 30–50% of water compared to traditional methods, avoids root damage, and improves soil microclimate. However, manual application can be labor-intensive and may cause soil compaction. If using manual methods, walk along the ridges and spray sequentially, applying about 200–240 cubic meters per hectare.
Drip irrigation uses low-pressure pipes with drippers placed near the roots, delivering water directly to the rhizosphere. This high-tech method is common in developed areas but can also be implemented with simple materials like polyethylene hoses. By puncturing the hose every 20–30 cm, you can create a cost-effective system. A single hose can cover 50–80 meters and is easy to assemble. It requires an initial investment of 300–500 yuan and can last several years. Ensure holes are not too large or aligned vertically, and each hose should have symmetrically placed drips.
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