Peanut research proves the power of Polysulphate

10 March 2017

Research in Vietnam has reported that using polyhalite with a peanut crop contributed to a significant improvement in crop yield and returns to the farming household.

Peanut performance

Peanuts in Vietnam have a powerful part to play in Vietnamese agriculture. The crop has an important role in traditional crop rotation in Binh Dinh province, the area where the research took place. It also has the potential to be a significant source of income for farmers, as well as protein in the regional diet. However a combination of inadequate crop nutrition, declining soil health and increasing soil acidity has led to generally poor productivity and crop quality.

Polyhalite on trial

The study evaluated the effects of K and polyhalite in order to develop fertilizer recommendations for the Central Coast of Vietnam. Crop development was monitored closely from germination to harvest. Soil examinations were carried out before and after harvest to measure the texture, pH, organic matter and residual levels of nutrients.

Proving how peanuts and soils benefit

The results showed that giving optimum doses of K (60 kg/hectare) and polyhalite (214 kg/hectare) in two applications gave rise to a 24% increase in yield and 98% increase in net benefit to the farmer. In addition it was found that using polyhalite created a balanced N-P-K-S management leading to enhanced soil fertility and a sustainable cropping system.

More details about the peanut research and the findings on the IPI website.

Peanut research photo supplied by G.Kalyan