Do I need to soak peanut seeds when planting them?

Peanuts are one of the four major oil crops in the world (soybeans, sunflowers , rapeseed, and peanuts). They are annual herbaceous plants belonging to the genus Arachis in the family Fabaceae. Peanuts are grown in many areas. So do you need to soak the seeds when growing peanuts? Let’s take a look below.

1. Do I need to soak the seeds when planting peanuts?

1. Seed germination requires appropriate oxygen, humidity and temperature. Seed soaking is to soak the shelled peanut seeds in a suitable environment. Generally speaking, soaking peanut seeds to accelerate germination is beneficial to full and early germination, but how to soak the seeds and whether it is necessary to soak the seeds depends on the situation and cannot be done blindly. Because after soaking the seeds, the seed coat becomes soft, if the seed coat is damaged, the germination rate will also be reduced.

2. When sowing, the soil moisture content should be appropriate. The soil can be clumped when held in the hand and will scatter when it hits the ground. The temperature can be stable at around 15℃ for several consecutive days, which is a suitable temperature. If dry seeds are sown directly, all the seedlings will grow. In this case, there is no need to soak the seeds again. It is best to sow the seeds manually after soaking to avoid affecting the germination rate and causing damage to the seeds. If dry seeds are mixed with seeds, it will not affect the germination rate, but the germination will be later.

3. When the temperature is relatively low and the sowing time is early, you can soak the seeds before sowing, which is conducive to germination. However, the soil must have a certain humidity and not be too dry, otherwise the seedlings will not emerge.

2. Peanut Planting Technology and Management Guide

1. Site selection and soil preparation

Choose a suitable location: Peanuts prefer a warm and humid environment, so choose land with plenty of sunlight and good drainage.

Soil requirements: Peanuts are suitable for growing in loose, fertile, well-drained soil. Before planting, do a soil pH test and make sure the pH is between 6.0-7.5.

Soil Improvement: Based on the soil test results, appropriate measures can be taken to improve soil texture and fertility, such as applying organic fertilizers , lime or other soil amendments.

2. Variety selection

Choose varieties according to planting purposes: Peanuts are available in two types: fresh-eating type and oil-producing type. Choose the appropriate variety according to your needs.

Understand the characteristics of the variety: Different varieties of peanuts differ in growth period, yield, disease resistance, etc. Choosing varieties with high yield and good disease resistance can achieve better results in yield and quality.

3. Sowing and management

Sowing time: Peanuts are suitable for sowing in the season when the temperature is stable above 20 degrees Celsius. Choose the appropriate sowing time according to local climatic conditions.

Sowing method: Peanuts can be planted by direct seeding or transplanting after seedling raising. When direct seeding, spread the seeds evenly in the furrows, and transplant the peanut seedlings to the fields after seedling raising.

Irrigation management: Peanuts have high requirements for water, but excessive watering can cause peanut diseases. Arrange irrigation reasonably according to soil moisture and climatic conditions to maintain moderate moisture.

Fertilization tips: During the growth period of peanuts, apply organic fertilizers and chemical fertilizers in appropriate amounts, and reasonably allocate nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium based on soil test results and peanut growth needs.

4. Pest and disease control

Disease prevention and control: Common diseases of peanuts include peanut wilt disease, peanut black spot disease, etc. To prevent the occurrence of diseases, the following measures can be taken:

Plant disease-resistant varieties: Choosing peanut varieties with strong disease resistance can effectively reduce the risk of disease.

Good field management: Keep the fields well ventilated and well lit to reduce the growth of pathogens. Remove weeds in the field in time to reduce the spread of diseases.

Reasonable irrigation management: Avoid excessive moisture in peanuts to prevent the growth of pathogens. At the same time, avoid overwatering, which may suffocate the peanut roots.

Pest control: Common peanut pests include aphids, peanut weevils, peanut aphids, etc. Here are some effective pest control methods:

Biological control: Use natural enemy insects, parasitic nematodes, etc. to carry out biological control of pests and reduce the use of chemical pesticides.

Chemical control: When serious pests occur, you can choose to use safe and effective pesticides for control, but be sure to use them in accordance with the instructions and safety regulations.

5. Harvesting and storage

Harvesting time: Peanuts are generally harvested when the roots begin to turn yellow and the branches and leaves wither. The peanut pods can be judged by gently pulling up the plant and exposing it to the ground.

Harvesting method: Use manual or mechanized harvesting methods to pull up the entire peanut plant, dry it in the sun and then pick the pods.

Storage tips: Dry the harvested peanut pods in the sun and store them in a dry and ventilated place to avoid moisture and mold. Check the quality of peanuts regularly and remove spoiled or insect-infested peanuts in time.

That’s it