Establishment of Perennial Peanut

September, 2010
Leslie (Les) Baucum, Regional Agronomic Extension Agent II


Perennial peanut is a warm season legume that is well adapted to a variety of well drained soils, performing well in the deep sandy soils found throughout Florida. When managed correctly, perennial peanut produces a very high-quality forage that can be used for hay or livestock grazing. Perennial peanut grows best in full sun and is considered tropical or subtropical in nature, with marginal cold tolerance; care should be taken when planted in areas with annual extended temperatures below freezing.

In establishing a new stand of perennial peanut it is important to begin with a weed free, clean, well tilled site. Light textured, well drained soils should be chosen over poor draining areas. While perennial peanut will tolerate low pH, soil pH should be maintained in the 5.5 to 6.0 range for optimum production. Since perennial peanut is a legume with the ability to “fix” nitrogen (N), it does not require the application of N. Soil tests should be taken prior to planting and appropriate levels of phosphorous (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) should be applied based on results of the soil test.

Florigraze and Arbrook are 2 cultivars of perennial peanut that have been selected in Florida for their high yield, quality, persistence, disease resistance and drought tolerance. Perennial peanut is propagated vegetatively (meaning that part of the plant, instead of a true seed is used) using underground stems called rhizomes. Your county extension agent or the Perennial Peanut Producers Association can help to provide a list of producers who dig, sell and plant rhizomes. Planting is typically done from January – March and it is advised that land preparation, location of planting material and equipment should begin in the summer prior. Rhizomes should be planted as soon after digging as possible, preferably the same day, but in no case should rhizomes be stored for more than 5 days before planting.

Rhizomes planted during this January- March period will begin emerging from late March to early June. This often coincides with low rainfall periods over much of Florida; the availability of irrigation during this sensitive time of crop development can provide insurance against plant loss or in extreme conditions complete stand failure. Once a root system has developed, irrigation is not required. Keep in mind that a late spring drought period does not always mean complete stand failure, but can result in a decreased stand which could result in a delayed complete stand. If rainfall and initial plant establishment is satisfactory a winter planting can provide complete ground coverage in 1 to 2 years.

During this 1 to 2 year establishment period weed control can often be the greatest challenge to obtaining a satisfactory field of perennial peanuts. This is one reason why it is so important to make sure you have a clean, weed free field before planting. Mowing can be an effective tool in the fight against weeds and is especially effective for controlling tall growing weeds. Mowing should be done at least once during the first growing season in late July or August. Mowing is generally not effective in controlling grassy weeds such as crabgrass or bermuda grass. There are a few herbicides labeled for use in perennial peanut but care should be taken in following any label restrictions.

Relative to other forage crops, perennial peanuts can be expensive, with establishment costs ranging from as little as $200 per acre to as much as $500 per acre. Many factors can influence this cost including acres planted, rhizome source, cost of land, equipment, labor, etc. The level of management can also have a major influence in final cost per established acre; for example, while the level of weed control and fertility program can influence the cost of establishment they can also shorten time to achieve a complete stand and ultimately the time to production.

For more detailed information contact your local County Extension Agent, or:

Perennial Peanut Producers Association
P.O. Box 352
Madison, FL 32341
Phone: 850-973-2399
E-mail: pppa@perennialpeanuthay.org
Web: www.perennialpeanuthay.org

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