Wedoany.com Report on Mar 2nd, Peanut growers in North Carolina can reduce production costs this year by adjusting gypsum application rates while maintaining crop yield and quality. David Jordan, a peanut specialist with North Carolina State University Extension, points out that gypsum provides essential calcium sulfate for peanut pod and kernel development, but the application rate can be flexibly adjusted based on soil conditions. 
Speaking at a peanut production meeting recently held at the Bertie County Extension Center in Windsor, Jordan said, "The logistical challenges and cost of obtaining gypsum are forcing us to look at this part of the budget in more detail." He advised growers to refer to the 1x rate table in the NC State University Peanut Production Guide as a baseline reference.
Research shows that in most cases, gypsum application rates can be reduced by 30% to 50% without negatively impacting peanut yield or market grade. Jordan emphasized, "If you want to cut back some and you want to go across the board without doing any sampling at all, you can take the 1x rate and cut it by 30%, and in the vast majority of fields, you're going to get the same yield and market grade."
However, to balance risk and savings, Jordan recommends reducing the gypsum rate to 70% to 75% of the 1x rate. He suggests growers check soil calcium levels before planting to guide specific application rates. For example, when soil calcium reaches 1,000 pounds per acre, the rate can be halved; at 700 to 1,000 pounds, 75% is recommended; below 700 pounds, the full 1x rate should be used.
In addition to gypsum optimization, Jordan mentioned that weed control inputs can also be adjusted. In North Carolina, a tank mix of Group 15 herbicides with Valor SX effectively controls Palmer amaranth and common ragweed at a cost lower than alternative combinations. Jordan stated, "At this point in time, I don't see a strong fit for Brake unless we start seeing weed populations with PPO resistance from Valor, Cobra, or Ultra Blazer." These measures collectively help peanut growers achieve cost savings during times of tight budgets.
