Agronomic Response of Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) to Controlled-Release, Conventional and Local Organic Fertilizer Applications

Abstract

This study evaluated the agronomic response of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) to controlled-release, conventional, complete inorganic, and locally available organic fertilizer management regimes under the conditions of Barangay Baleguian, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte, Philippines. The study was anchored on the agronomic concept of nutrient supply–crop demand synchronization, supported by nutrient-use efficiency, nutrient mineralization, and soil–plant interactions. A Randomized Complete Block Design was employed using five treatments with five replications, comprising 25 peanut plants. Agronomic responses included plant height at 14, 28, and 42 days after transplanting, root length, number of pods, and fresh and dry biomass. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Tool for Agricultural Research. Among the treatments, T3, consisting of 20 g Osmocote 14-14-14, consistently produced the strongest measured agronomic performance, attaining the greatest plant height at 42 days after transplanting (63.00 cm), root length (40.80 cm), pod number (17.80 pods per plant), fresh leaf biomass (202 g), dry leaf biomass (46 g), fresh root biomass (45 g), and dry root biomass (15 g). Conventional fertilization generally produced intermediate responses, while local organic fertilization showed comparatively slower early growth but contributed to plant and root development. Because fertilizer quantities and application schedules differed among treatments, the observed responses represent the fertilizer regimes as applied and cannot be attributed solely to nutrient-release mechanisms. The study concludes that controlled-release fertilizer showed the strongest short-term agronomic response under the experimental conditions, while integrated nutrient management involving organic and mineral nutrient sources may help balance crop nutrition and soil-management objectives. Further research should assess long-term soil properties, microbial communities, nutrient-equivalent fertilizer rates, and field-scale performance. The study primarily supports SDG 2—Zero Hunger and SDG 12—Responsible Consumption and Production by contributing evidence toward productive crop nutrition and more efficient nutrient management. Its sustainability significance lies in supporting agronomic productivity, responsible fertilizer use, soil management, and the potential integration of locally available organic nutrient sources into more sustainable production systems.