Your discussion during the past winter meeting season regarding low pH areas in peanut fields was realized last week in Pitt County when a producer asked us to investigate the cause of such yellowing in one field. The field in question was observed to have various areas which were showing signs of yellowing and the grower was considering corrective action.
After taking problem samples, one from the green area and one from the bad area, it was determined that low pH in the bad areas was the cause of this condition. I am attaching images and the soil sample report for your attention.
[Note: low pH = 5.3 and high pH = 6.1]
Jordan:
I am also convinced that the low pH area will yield even lower because I suspect gypsum was applied.
Question:
Should I recommend ammonium sulfate to offset?
Jordan:
Even at lower AMS prices, at least half of the field needs to be N deficient to justify a corrective application. At this point in the season I would not invest more money in this area. But if the grower would like to try something, apply AMS at 300 pounds per acre.
Follow Up:
This field is only about 20% yellow at most.
