In some cases, soil that is relatively dry when beds are prepared can cave into the seed trench after seeds drop but before in-furrow spray solution with insecticide and inoculant reaches the bottom of the seed trench or furrow. The seedling roots will not receive adequate amounts of either product if the spray solution does not reach the bottom of the seed furrow. Less than ideal thrips control can be corrected with a foliar spray of Hemi plus nonionic surfactant once peanuts emerge. Correcting a nitrogen deficiency because the roots did not get infected with nitrogen-fixing bacteria is more challenging and expensive.

If the soil caves in as described above, the problem will often be spotty across the field. In a previous post, I indicated that both in-furrow inoculant and a peat-based inoculant on seed in the hopper box should be included. This will ensure that a decent amount of inoculant reaches the bottom of the seed furrow, just in case soil caves into the furrow after seeds drop but before in-furrow spray is delivered.

If beds get rain and firm up, this is much less of an issue. A peat-based inoculant with seed is excellent and inexpensive insurance regardless of soil conditions and previous rotation sequence.