Characterization, Classification and Nutritional Status of Groundnut Growing Soils in Southern Agro-Climatic Zone: A Case Study on Western Mandals of Srikalahasti Division in Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is the most popular oilseed crop in India. This is known as Peanut, Earthnut, Monkey nut, Goober panda and Manilanut and contains about 45 percent oil and 26 percent protein. Groundnut kernels as a whole are highly digestible. One gram of kernel supplies 5.8 calories of food. This is compared with four calories per gram of sugar, 3.5 calories for whole wheat and 2.6 calories of bread. The biological value of groundnut protein is among the highest of the vegetable proteins and equal to that of casein.