Liming application rates and plant population on the performance of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in humid rainforest

Abstract

Confectionary groundnut production is limited by soil acidity in southern Nigeria. This study attempted an improvement of soil quality by limiting pH adjustment to tolerable levels. The influence of lime rates and plant spacing on the yield indicators of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Calabar, South Eastern Nigeria was evaluated to portend the best suitable rates for groundnut production. A 4 × 3 factorial in randomized complete block design, 4 lime rates (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 t/ha), 3 planting distances (30 × 30, 30 × 50, and 25 × 50 cm) with three replications were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance and Fisher’s least significant difference at 5% probability level. Plant spacing and lime application significantly increased growth as well as yield contributing factors of groundnut. The highest percentage of seedling emergence (95.22) and tallest plants were observed with a lime rate of 1.5 t/ha. Yields at 30 × 30 and 25 × 50 cm were statistically similar (p > 0.05) but greater (p < 0.05) than yield from 30 × 50 cm spaced groundnut. Lime applied at 0.5 to 1.5 t/ha had a statistically similar yield, higher than control. The results recommend that liming at the rate of 1.0 t/ha is beneficial for groundnut cultivation in Calabar.