Influence of soil compaction on growth, yield and soil loss resulting from groundnut harvesting

A study was conducted to quantify soil loss due to groundnut harvesting as influenced by soil compaction. Ten kilograms of soil with an initial bulk density of 1.05 Mg m -3 were compressed to 1.57, 1.72, 1.88, 2.04 and 2.42 Mg m -3 . The experiment was a completely randomized design with three replications. Groundnut seeds were sown in pots and data were collected on growth indices at 2 week interval while force and energy of harvesting and soil loss due to groundnut harvesting (SLGH) were determined at 12 weeks after sowing. Data were analysed using ANOVA and Fishers LSD at P= 0.05. Soil compacted to1.88 Mgm -3 produced taller plant, higher number of leaves and branches than the control. Soil compaction significantly reduced number of pods, roots and fresh root weight relative to the control. Bulk density of 2.04 Mg m -3 required significantly higher force (42.47 N) and energy (45.73 J) in harvesting than the control and other compaction levels. Soil loss due to groundnut harvesting increased (13- 42%) in all compaction levels although statistically similar. Soil compaction beyond 1.88 Mg m -3 in this study could have adverse effect on growth and yield of groundnut and could increase soil loss due to harvesting.