Legumes

Perennial Peanut (Arachis glabrata)

Plant Characteristics: Leafy plant reaching 12 to 16 inches in height with yellow or orange flowers.

Establishment: Adaptation is limited to the lower Coastal Plain on well-drained sandy soils. It is very slow to establish. Rhizomes should be planted on a prepared bed between December and May at a rate of 60 to 80 bu/ac. It can take 2-3 years to fully establish.

Fertilization: Low fertilization but Ca application might be needed. It is recommended to maintain a pH level above 5.8.

Grazing/Hay Management: It could be utilized for pasture or hay production. Hay production can range from 3 to 6 tons/ac. Most production occurs from April to October. Rotational grazing with grazing periods of 10 days or less and three week rest periods is the best management. Continuous grazing could be used when forage production is high to maintain at least 4 inches stubble. Hay production could provide at least 3 cuts a year but no cut is recommended after October 1 to replenish carbohydrate reserves.

Forage Quality: Highly nutritive.

Varieties/Cultivars: