In this case, additional calcium may be applied as agricultural gypsum. A calcium deficiency will result in unfilled pods and lowered quality of peanuts. A deficiency will most likely occur on sandy soils during a dry period. All fertilizer, lime and calcium requirements should be determined by a soil test through your local Clemson Extension office. Information on soil testing is available in Soil Testing , HGIC 1652 .
Peanuts are legumes, which are plants that bear their seed in a pod.
In addition, they indirectly obtain nitrogen from the air with the aid of bacteria. Rhizobium bacteria live in nodules on the roots and convert nitrogen from the air into a form that can be used by the plants. Therefore, it is generally unnecessary to apply nitrogen. Peanuts are extremely sensitive to fertilizer-burn. Peanut plants respond better to residual fertility than to directly-applied fertilizer.