Worm compost as a sovereign alternative for doubling peanut yields without agrochemicals

Abstract

The low yields obtained in peanut cultivation are due to the use of poor conventional agricultural practices; the use of biostimulants constitutes a possible strategy to increase yields. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of applying BioCompost and worm humus on the cultivation of Arachis hypogaea L. (peanut). A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used with an A x B + 1 factorial arrangement. Factor A: organic fertilizers (BioCompost and Worm humus); Factor B: doses (1000 kg ha⁻¹, 1500 kg ha⁻¹, 2000 kg ha⁻¹) plus a control without application, totaling seven treatments. The results showed that the treatment (Worm humus at 2000 kg ha⁻¹) presented the greatest vegetative growth, with heights of 26.88, 37.00, and 49.95 cm at 30, 50, and 70 days, respectively, and had the earliest flowering (38 days). Regarding yield and its components, this same treatment (Worm humus at 2000 kg ha⁻¹) recorded: 25 pods per plant, 46 grains per plant, a pod length of 4.38 cm, and the highest yield at 3255.75 kg ha⁻¹. These results show that organic fertilizers improve the growth and yield of peanut crops under agroecological conditions. The adoption of worm humus at 2000 kg ha⁻¹ optimizes peanut productivity and strengthens the food sovereignty of rural communities by democratizing access to efficient and environmentally sustainable fertilization.