Rhizoma peanut is well adapted to most well-drained soils of the Gulf Coast region. Although originally planted as a hay crop, rhizoma peanut can be integrated into pasture-based livestock systems in association (mixtures) with warm-season grasses such as bahiagrass. This legume provides highly nutritious forage (Table 1), characterized by relatively high crude protein concentrations (13% to 18%) and good digestibility (50% to 60%) with overall annual herbage accumulation of approximately 10,000 pounds of dry matter per acre. In early Louisiana evaluations, however, such high yields were highly dependent on summer rainfall. The high forage quality and stand persistence make this legume an effective option for improving livestock performance. Inclusion of rhizoma peanut in grass-based pastures can enhance forage quality while reducing dependence on nitrogen fertilizer through biological nitrogen fixation.

Table 1. Nutritive value of different rhizoma peanut varieties.

Adapted from Dubeux et al. (2017); values are averages across two years in north Florida.

Rhizoma peanut is propagated vegetatively using underground rhizomes. For successful establishment, approximately 80 bushels of rhizome planting material per acre should be planted into a well-prepared seedbed with a soil pH of 6.0. Existing sod should be controlled with glyphosate prior to planting to minimize competition and promote rapid rhizoma peanut establishment. Rhizoma peanut is typically planted from late spring through summer. Planting should coincide with adequate soil moisture to promote rapid establishment and growth.

One of the most promising approaches for incorporating rhizoma peanut into grazing systems is establishing the legume in strips within existing grass pastures, such as bahiagrass. As the plant spreads through rhizomes, it gradually forms mixed grass-legume stands that can improve pasture productivity, nutrient cycling and overall forage nutritive value (Figure 2). This strategy can also reduce establishment costs because only about 50% of the pasture area is initially planted to rhizoma peanut, while simplifying weed management compared with establishing the legume across an entire field. Strip width can be tailored to the working width of spriggers, sprayers and other field equipment, improving operational efficiency and reducing labor requirements during establishment.

Maintaining legumes at approximately 30% to 40% of the pasture mixture is generally sufficient to capture many of the agronomic and livestock production benefits associated with grass-legume systems. Because of its persistence, forage quality and ability to contribute nitrogen to the system, rhizoma peanut can be a valuable component of sustainable forage-livestock production systems in the southeastern United States.

Figure 2. Cattle grazing rhizoma peanut in a strip mixture with bahiagrass in north Florida. Photo by Liza Garcia, North Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida

Potential for integrating rhizoma peanut into forage production systems in Louisiana is substantial, but success will require appropriate site selection and rather intensive management. A few producers in the southern and central regions of the state have established successful stands (Figure 3). Successful hay production and research plantings of the cultivar Florigraze were established across southern Louisiana in the 1990s. A 2010 observational planting of seven varieties in northern Louisiana resulted in survival of some plants of most varieties. Plant spread was highest for latitude 34, as expected from its selection for cold tolerance. Survival among the other varieties was highest for Florigraze (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Established UF Tito rhizoma peanut pasture in Marksville, Louisiana (left), and rhizoma peanut research plots at the Hill Farm Research Station in Homer, Louisiana (right). Photos by Jose Pereira Neto

Incorporating this legume into Louisiana’s pasture and hay systems could provide producers with a high-quality forage option for both grazing and hay production while reducing dependence on nitrogen fertilizer. However, the initial establishment costs and slow establishment process can be intimidating for many producers. To address these challenges and evaluate adaptation and performance of available varieties under local conditions, research trials have been planned to assess the integration of rhizoma peanut into forage systems across the region. Additional information on adaptation, productivity and management of rhizoma peanut in Louisiana forage systems will become available as research efforts progress across the state.

References

Dubeux, J.C.B., Blount, A.R., Mackowiak, C.L., Santos, E.R.S., Pereira Neto, J.D., Riveros, U., Garcia, L., Jaramillo, D.M., and Ruiz-Moreno, M. (2017). Biological N2 fixation, belowground responses, and forage potential of rhizoma peanut cultivars. Crop Science, 57(2), 1027–1038.

Dubeux, J.C., Sollenberger, L.E., Vendramini, J., Wallau, M.O., Blount, A.R.S., Garcia-Jimenez, L., ... and Jaramillo, D. (2018). Strip-planting Rhizoma Peanut into Grazing Systems: SS-AGR-421/AG421, 7/2018. EDIS, 2018(4).

Mullenix, M.K., Sollenberger, L.E., Blount, A.R., Vendramini, J.M.B., Silveira, M.L., and Castillo, M.S. (2014). Growth habit of rhizoma peanut affects establishment and spread when strip planted in bahiagrass pastures. Crop Science, 54(6), 2886–2892.

Newman, Y.C., Mackowiak, C.L., Blount, A.R., and Ferrell, J.A. (2009). Perennial peanut: A quick reference (SS-AGR-319). EDIS.

P4076
9/21/26
The LSU AgCenter and LSU provide equal opportunities in programs and employment.