Groundnut Yield Estimation (T.Ha-1.Season-1; Shelled) Based On SmithS (1994) Climatic Criteria

Rich in protein, groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea) can be eaten raw, cooked or roasted. For optimum yields, groundnuts require a MAP > 700 mm of which > 500 mm should fall over their 5 - 6 month summer growing season (Smith, 1998), although yields can be attained with only 300 mm over the growing season (NDA, 2005). Mean daily temperatures should be in the range of 22 – 28 degree Celsius for optimum growth, with yield reductions occurring above 33 degree Celsius and below 18 degree Celsius.

Using Smith (1998) climatic criteria, yields of groundnuts are estimated using the effective rainfall for October to March and heat units (base 10 degree Celsius) for the same period, with modifications to yields made for soil properties and levels of management. Rainfall values were derived from the 1 arc minute (1` x 1` latitude x longitude) median monthly rainfalls generated for South Africa by Lynch (2004).