Abstract
Drought stress is a key environmental factor limiting peanut production and nitrogen use efficiency. This study was conducted at an agricultural experimental station in Sichuan Province, employing the 15N tracer technique. Under normal water supply and mild drought stress conditions during the pegging and pod-setting stages, combined with different nitrogen fertilizer levels (0, 90, and 180 kg N/ha), the comprehensive effects of drought stress, and nitrogen fertilizer levels on peanut yield, nitrogen absorption and accumulation, distribution, and utilization efficiency were systematically analyzed. The results showed that drought stress significantly reduced peanut yield and nitrogen accumulation in plants, with the yield inhibition caused by drought during the pegging stage being significantly higher than during the pod-setting stage. In terms of nitrogen distribution, the nitrogen accumulated in kernels constituted the majority of the total nitrogen; however, drought stress significantly affected nitrogen distribution and transport efficiency among plant organs. Analysis of nitrogen fertilizer levels indicated that the medium nitrogen treatment (90 kg N/ha) under drought stress exhibited a higher nitrogen fertilizer recovery rate (38.8%) and lower nitrogen loss rate (12.6%), significantly improving nitrogen use efficiency. This study elucidates the regulatory mechanisms of drought stress on nitrogen utilization in peanuts, providing scientific insights for efficient peanut cultivation and fertilizer management in drought-prone regions.
