Abstract
Rhizomal perennial peanut has potential uses as a ground cover in home landscapes, road medians, driveways and parking lot islands, berms, septic tank mounds, and canal banks. Perennial peanut also can be used as a buffer along waterways prone to runoff high in N (Nitrogen) and P (Phosphorus). Establishment costs of perennial peanut are expensive relative to the establishment costs of St. Augustinegrass. Peanut sod is more than four-times as expensive as St. Augustine sod. Peanut ground cover, however, has significant cost advantages over St. Augustine with respect to annual maintenance. Peanut has been shown to be highly resistant to drought, nematodes, and plant pathogens that attack St. Augustine turf. In addition, it can be maintained with minimal fertilizer applications. This translates into water, energy, material, and labor cost savings. Further, established stands of peanut do not require frequent mowing, further reducing annual maintenance expenses. Overall, annual maintenance costs for perennial peanut are estimated to be one-fifth the costs for St. Augustine turf. It is estimated that with these annual savings, the higher establishment cost of perennial peanut can be offset in less than four years.
