Vol. 12, Issue 4 (2023)

Author(s):
Likhith M, SS Gundlur, Ramesh and Jakir Hussain KN

Abstract:
A field experiment was conducted in Kanvihonnapura village, Dharwad district, to assess the impact of foliar application of calcium nitrate [Ca(NO₃)₂] on summer groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in acid soils. The study was designed using a randomized block format and included eleven distinct treatments, each replicated three times. The application of 1.5% Ca(NO₃)₂ at two key growth stages 45 and 60 days after sowing (DAS) resulted in a substantial increase in groundnut yield, achieving a peak pod yield of 2342 kg ha⁻¹. The study revealed that the application of two sprays of 1.5% Ca(NO₃)₂ at 45 and 60 DAS (designated as T₁₁) markedly improved several growth parameters, including plant height, which reached an average of 46.19 cm; the number of branches per plant, averaging 9.83; total dry matter production, measured at 42.98 g per plant; and nodule formation, with an average of 42.47 nodules per plant, along with nodule weight averaging 0.54 g. Furthermore, T11 not only achieved the highest pod yield but also increased the number of pods per plant to 24.38, the average pod weight to 10.65 g, the shelling percentage to 72.72%, and test weight to 41.67 g, while haulm yield reached 3411 kg ha⁻¹ and total dry matter accumulation peaked at 5754 kg ha⁻¹. These enhancements in growth and yield parameters are attributed to the increased availability of calcium and nitrogen, which stimulate vital physiological processes such as cell division, flowering, and pod development.