Apply NPK fertilizers as per soil test. If the soil is not tested, follow the blanket recommendation for rainfed groundnut: 10 kg N, 10 kg P and 45 kg K per hectare.
Pending expert review
Source
Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Groundnut (rainfed) – Application of fertilizers, p. 185
Region
Tamil Nadu
Last updated
2026-11-04
Gypsum for better pods
Apply gypsum at 400 kg per hectare by the side of the plants between the 40th and 70th day, depending on soil moisture. Hoe it into the soil and then earth up. Avoid gypsum in calciferous (calcium-rich) soils; it is effective in soils deficient in calcium and sulphur. Gypsum encourages pod formation and better filling of the pods.
Pending expert review
Source
Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Groundnut (rainfed) – Application of gypsum, p. 187
Region
Tamil Nadu
Last updated
2026-11-04
Zinc and iron deficiency
Zinc deficiency: apply 25 kg ZnSO4 per hectare as basal (reduce to 12.5 kg if 12.5 t FYM per hectare is applied). Iron deficiency: spray 1% FeSO4 + 0.1% citric acid three times, on the 30th, 40th and 50th day after sowing.
Pending expert review
Source
Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Groundnut (rainfed) – Nutritional disorder, p. 186
Region
Tamil Nadu
Last updated
2026-11-04
Hand weeding and earthing up
If no herbicide is applied, give two hand weedings, on the 20th and 40th day after sowing. Do the earthing up during the second hand weeding; it gives the medium for peg development. Do not disturb the soil after the 45th day of sowing, as it will affect pod formation.
Pending expert review
Source
Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Groundnut (rainfed) – Weed management (ii) & earthing up, p. 187
Region
Tamil Nadu
Last updated
2026-11-04
Pre-emergence herbicide
Apply pendimethalin at 1.0 litre per hectare as pre-emergence, through a flat fan nozzle with 500 litres of water per hectare. Give one hand weeding after 35–40 days.
Follow the instructions on the product label. Consult your local Agriculture Officer before use.
Pending expert review
Source
Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Groundnut (rainfed) – Weed management (i), p. 187
Region
Tamil Nadu
Last updated
2026-11-04
Irrigation schedule (irrigated crop)
Pegging, flowering and pod development are critical stages that need adequate soil moisture. Irrigate: at sowing or pre-sowing; a life irrigation 4–5 days after sowing; 20 days after sowing; two irrigations at flowering; one or two at pegging; and 2–3 at pod development depending on the soil type. Sprinkler irrigation saves about 30% water.
Pending expert review
Source
Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Groundnut (irrigated) – Water management, p. 192
