The absorption of nutrients and accumulation of substances in peanut plants at several growth stages were investigated. The studies were made on plants cultivated on "terra roxa misturada". The peanut variety Tatu was planted in non-fertilized plots and in others that received macro and micronutrients. Cultivation, spraying, and other cultural procedures were the same as those customary for commercial plantings. Plant sampling started 15 days after emergence and was then carried out at intervals until harvest. For analytical purposes the samples were divided in root, stem, leaf, fruit shell, and seed. The results obtained indicated the following pattern of nutrient accumulation in the plant: high concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus in the seed; potassium and magnesium in the stem; calcium and magnesium in the foliage; and sulfur in the root. From the essential elements, nitrogen, potassium, and calcium were the most absorbed. The highest nutrient demand occurred in the period between early blooming and three weeks after fruit initiation. In the fertilized plots 66% to 74% of all nutrients were absorbed by the peanut plant in this period. Also, 74% and 48% of the total dry matter were accumulated in the same period in plants from plots that received fertilizers and in those from non-fertilized plots, respectively. At harvest time, the fruits accounted for 50% of the total dry weight of the plant.