Wild peanuts help to cover the soil.
Maintaining ground cover in orchards is a crucial solution in sustainable fruit farming. Wild peanut (Arachis pintoi) is a legume that can symbiotically interact with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the air, rapidly developing biomass (stems and leaves), retaining moisture, and enriching the soil with humus.
Wild peanuts originate from South America and were introduced to Vietnam through several farming system projects. Wild peanuts exist in nature like hundreds of other weed species. Their stems and leaves can grow up to 2 meters long, remaining green year-round, especially when regularly pruned. The peanut tubers are small, burrow deep into the soil, and are rarely harvested. After being introduced and conducting dozens of experiments on various soil types, from poor, nutrient-deficient soils and steep hillside soils to sandy and acidic coastal soils, the National Institute of Agricultural and Forestry Science and Technology (NOMAFSI) concluded that wild peanuts tolerate nutrient-poor soils and harsh weather conditions, making them suitable for cultivation in many different regions. They can be intercropped with fruit trees, perennial industrial crops (pineapple, coffee, pepper), and corn on sloping land.
Wild peanuts covered the ground in the nursery.
Regarding erosion control, orchards planted with wild peanuts reduced soil erosion by 72.4% compared to the control group without wild peanuts. Soil moisture under wild peanut cover was consistently 10 to 50% higher than the control group, depending on the thickness of the cover and soil conditions, thus saving irrigation water. Beneficial microorganisms increased significantly under the wild peanut cover. Specifically, nitrogen-fixing microorganisms increased by 200%, phosphorus-dissolving microorganisms by 611.1%, and cellulose-decomposing microorganisms by 138.1% compared to the control group (orchards of the same type without wild peanuts). Planting wild peanuts also promotes the development of soil insect ecosystems such as earthworms and crickets, which continuously "plow and process decaying leaves," making the soil more porous.
According to NOMAFSI's calculations, planting wild peanuts as green cover can provide 595 kg of N, 140 kg of P2O5, and 200 kg of K2O per hectare per year, and it is confirmed that this will significantly contribute to improving soil fertility. In the South, planting wild peanuts as ground cover has been tested in pepper and mango orchards in Dong Nai, cashew orchards (Binh Phuoc, Kon Tum, Dak Lak), and dragon fruit orchards (Binh Thuan), with initial positive results.
Propagation of wild peanuts using semi-mature stem cuttings guarantees 100% survival and is the cheapest method. Cut close to the base when the vine is 30-40-50 cm long and the leaves begin to turn slightly yellow. From the base upwards, cut 1-2 sections 18-20 cm long, discarding the tip if it is too short. Cut the cuttings the day before, and plant them the next day when the surface of the cuttings is dry. The garden soil for planting wild peanuts needs to be cleared of weeds. Use a hoe to loosen the entire surface of the soil or only loosen rows 30-40 cm apart depending on soil quality. Dig holes and place the cuttings as you would for sweet potatoes, 2-3 cuttings per cluster, with clusters 30-35 cm apart. Cover with soil and compact it with your feet. If the soil is dry, water the cuttings to help them root quickly. After 25-30 days, the peanut plants will have roots 10-15 cm long and many new shoots. After 3-4 months, the wild peanut plants spread and the longest vines can be cut and planted.
According to Khoahocphothong - LY
