Do Peanuts Require Irrigation?

Soil Preparation

• Moisture availability depends to a significant degree on the texture and quality of your soil. Peanuts need a loose, fertile and well-drained soil. Organic matter helps the soil to hold onto enough water for the plant to use, as well as drain away excess water. Heavy clay soils tend to cause excessive water buildup around the roots of the plants. This can cause yellowing of the foliage, stunted growth and reduced yields. Once you've established a good soil for planting, correct irrigation will help develop a good peanut yield.

Germination

• Peanuts require irrigation at planting time in order to encourage germination. Germination occurs when a seed absorbs large amounts of water, causing the embryo to break through the seed coating. After planting your peanuts, keep the soil uniformly moist until your plants break through the soil.

Growth

• Peanuts also require irrigation at various growth stages, in order to produce an abundant yield. When the first yellow flowers begin to appear, pay close attention to the plant's water supply, as allowing plants to dry out during this growth stage can result in fewer flowers, which means fewer peanuts. Water plants once per week during the flowering stage, allowing the water to soak down 6 to 8 inches into the soil. To prevent disease, it's best to water the plants at their base and avoid wetting the foliage. You'll need to resume your careful attention to irrigation as the pegs begin to enter the soil and the pods develop, which usually occurs 50 to 100 days after planting. Continue watering until the pods are filled. Cease irrigating the plants 10 days to two weeks prior to harvest.

Problems

• Improper irrigation can cause problems with your plants. Inadequate water can yield a small or disappointing harvest but too much water can also cause problems. Avoid overwatering the plants, particularly if you have a heavier soil that drains poorly. Overwatering as the nuts develop in the soil can cause them to sprout rather than produce pods.