Rhizoma Peanut and Alfalfa Productivity and Nutrient Composition in Central Georgia

Abstract

AbstractLimits of environmental adaptation of ‘Florigraze’ rhizoma peanut (Arachis glabrata Benth.), a high‐quality perennial warm‐season legume, have not been well defined. A field experiment compared yield and nutritive value of rhizoma peanut and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in central Georgia on a Norfolk soil (fine‐loamy, siliceous, thermic Typic Kandiudults). Crude protein (CP), neutral‐detergent fiber (NDF), aciddetergent fiber (ADF), lignin, Ca, Mg, and P of total herbage, and dry matter (DM) yield and in vitro organic matter disappearance (IVOMD) of total herbage, leaf, and stem tissues were determined for three growing seasons. Annual DM yield of peanut and alfalfa averaged 7.6 and 11.8 Mg ha−1, respectively. In the first 2 yr, alfalfa outyielded rhizoma peanut, but there was no difference in yield in the third year. Leaf DM yield was higher for peanut than for alfalfa in the third year. Rhizoma peanut DM production occurred predominately during late summer and early autumn vs. spring for alfalfa. Rhizoma peanut total herbage DM was lower in CP and higher in Ca and Mg than that of alfalfa, but IVOMD was similar. Leaf IVOMD was higher for alfalfa than for rhizoma peanut, but IVOMD of peanut stems was equal to or higher than alfalfa stems. Rhizoma peanut has potential for central Georgia and other areas of the southern USA with a similar climate.