Nighttime in the Fields: A Sustainable Shift in Peanut Farming

It’s the middle of the night and Donald Chase is out in the field, guiding his sprayer down a narrow row of peanut plants. The cool Georgia night air has displaced the intense daytime heat typical during the hot summer months.

Headlights pierce the darkness as the sprayer works its way through the peanut fields, delivering a carefully measured dose of fungicide.

At first glance, it seems like an unusual time to be working. Why spray peanuts in the middle of the night?

For Chase, the answer is simple: it’s a more effective and efficient way to farm.

“Peanut plants fold their leaves at night, which allows the fungicide to get right to the soil where the soil-borne diseases are,” Chase explains.

“It’s not some high-tech solution, but it works.”

Research-driven Innovation

The practice of spraying fungicide at night is one change Chase made to his operation in recent years. It started with a study sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission, where Chase serves as a member of the research committee.

As a leader in the peanut industry, Chase has long been an advocate for using science and data to improve farming practices.

“We sponsored the study to see if we could reduce fungicide applications without harming yields, and when the results came back, I knew I had to try it,” he says.

Chase decided to adjust his spraying schedule and cut down from seven applications per season to just five.

“At first, it was a little bit of a leap of faith,” Chase admits.

Like most peanut farmers in Georgia, Chase relies on fungicides to manage diseases like leaf spot and white mold, which can devastate peanut crops if left unchecked. But the study demonstrated that fewer applications, timed properly, could still be just as effective.

Why Nighttime Spraying Works

The key to the nighttime approach lies in the behavior of peanut plants.

At night, peanuts fold their leaves, creating a direct pathway for the fungicide to reach the soil. This makes each application more effective at targeting soil-borne pathogens.

By reducing fungicide applications and shifting to nighttime spraying, Chase has seen tangible benefits.

He’s saved money on chemicals and fuel while also cutting back on the number of trips across his fields, which reduces both soil compaction and greenhouse gas emissions.

“Every trip you don’t make across the field, you’re reducing your carbon footprint,” he notes.

“It all adds up.”

The benefits go beyond just sustainability. By spraying less and spraying smarter, Chase has also been able to maintain, and in some cases even improve, his peanut yields.

“We’re still seeing really good results,” he says. “The yields have stayed high, and we’re doing it with fewer inputs.”

Impact on Sustainability

Spraying at night and cutting back on fungicide applications is a small but important part of a larger push toward sustainability on Chase Farms.

Chase has also embraced cover cropping and other regenerative agricultural practices as part of his commitment to improving soil health and reducing environmental impact.

But the nighttime spraying is perhaps the most striking example of how small changes can make a big difference.

“It’s not super flashy, but it’s been a game-changer for us,” says Chase.

“We’ve cut down on fungicide, saved money, and reduced our carbon footprint—all without seeing any drop in yields.”

The impact of this change is far-reaching. In an era when consumers are increasingly concerned about how their food is grown and its impact on the environment, Chase’s approach offers a path forward for peanut farmers and beyond.

“We’re showing that you don’t have to choose between sustainability and profitability,” he says.

“You can have both.”

As Chase continues to refine his practices and explore new ways to farm more sustainably, one thing is clear: peanut farming at night isn’t just a curious sight—it’s a glimpse of the future.

We might want to contact Donald about the exact study details.