Agronomy Degree Practice Exam

What is an advantage of growing peanuts on soil that has a high sand content?

1. Easy harvest

2. Less weed competition

3. Less nutrient holding capacity

4. More water holding capacity

The correct answer is: Easy harvest

Growing peanuts on soil with a high sand content offers several advantages, one of which is the ease of harvest. Sandy soils typically provide excellent drainage and aeration, allowing the peanut pods to develop close to the surface. This proximity can facilitate a simpler and more efficient harvesting process since the digging equipment can more easily extract the plants without encountering the compaction or stickiness often found in heavier soils. Moreover, sandy soils are less prone to waterlogging, which can further assist in making the harvesting process smoother and less troublesome. While other options consider aspects like weed competition or nutrient holding capacity, they do not provide the direct correlation to the harvesting ease that sandy soils can enable for peanuts.