The best type of soil for groundnut cultivation is the one which
is well drained, light coloured, loose, friable, sandy loam, well
supplied with calcium and moderate amount of organic matter.
Soils with poor drainage high acidity of alkalinity must be
avoided for groundnut cultivation.
A soil pH of over 5.0 or below 8.5 is supposed to be an ideal
for groundnut production.
In Karnataka, the crop is taken in black cotton and red soils. Heavy
clay is not fit for groundnut production because soil becomes very hard
during drought, which restricts pod formation and development.
Groundnut is predominantly a crop of the tropics but it is now
grown throughout the tropical and sub-tropical countries and continental
parts (warm parts) of temperate countries of the world. The approximate
limits of present commercial production are between latitudes
40oN and 40oS. It is grown upto an altitude
of 1,050 metres.
Weather affects production of any crop directly through temperature,
light and rainfall and indirectly through the incidence of pests and
diseases.
Temperature
Soil temperature is an important factor and its
effects are critical on seed germination, emergence of the seedling,
early plant growth, rate of flowering and pod development. When soil
temperature goes below 18oC, emergence of seedling is low.
The optimum temperature for vegetative growth of
groundnut is between 27oC and 30oC depending on
the cultivar. Reproductive growth is maximum at 24-27oC.
Maximum rate of growth of pods is between 30oC and 34oC.
Groundnut has been found to grow and yield well
in areas receiving 40-125 cm of well distributed rainfall.
Adequate rains at sowing are necessary for proper
germination and good plant stands, and well distributed rainfall during
the crop period ensures normal vegetative growth, increased flowering
and proper development of pods.
Light influences both photosynthesis and respiration
in groundnut.
The canopy responds to increased light intensity
upto full sunlight.
The opening of flower buds and total number of
flowers formed depend highly on light.
Soils And Climate
