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Abstract
Calcium (Ca) is the most common limiting nutrient in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production in the southeastern united states. Low calcium levels in soils can reduce peanut yield, grade, and seed quality. Gypsum (CaSO4) is often applied as a soil amendment when residual soil Ca level is not sufficient for peanut production. This research evaluated the soil Ca and gypsum requirements for optimum yield, grade, and seed quality of two runner-type peanut cultivars. Gypsum was applied to field grown stands of peanut in 2012 and 2013. Pod yield, grade, seed Ca concentration, and germination data were collected after harvest. Results indicated that current UGA extension recommendations for Ca fertility of peanut are sufficient for the cultivars tested. Seed vigor testing using a thermal gradient device indicated seed vigor did not increase with gypsum rate, but overall germination of seeds was low at temperatures less than 20C.