Why are groundnuts important in KwaZulu-Natal & Mpumalanga?
Groundnuts are an important source of nutrition in the northern KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga areas. The crop can also contribute to more viable and sustainable cropping systems in other parts of the country.
How much do groundnuts grow in South Africa?
Yields vary from about 400 kilograms to several tonnes per hectare depending on production system and production area. In South Africa, groundnuts are grown in the summer rainfall regions under irrigated or rainfed conditions.
Which groundnuts are suitable for production in South Africa?
Suitable soil forms are Avalon, Bainsvlei, Clovelly, Hutton, Pinedene and Glencoe. Runner type groundnuts are unsuitable for production in South Africa because of the longer growth season and the higher moisture requirements of these types.
When to plant groundnuts in South Africa?
Where plant residues are present, pod rot diseases increase, which influence yield and quality. For successful groundnut production deep ploughing should be implemented. The normal planting time for groundnuts in South Africa is mid October to mid November. However several factors, the most important being rainfall, will determine the precise date.