Effects of Compost and Compost Tea on Soil Properties and Nutrient Uptake of the Moroccan Date Palm Cultivar "Mejhoul" under Organic Cultivation

Abstract

Date palm cultivation in regions such as the Middle East and north Africa plays a crucial role in food security, economic development, and environmental preservation. However, the sustainability of date palm farming is threatened by challenges such as soil degradation and nutrient depletion. To address these issues, organic farming practices, particularly the use of compost and compost tea, offer promising solutions. This study assessed the impact of these organic inputs on soil fertility and nutrient uptake in the “Mejhoul” date palm variety. A field experiment was carried out during two successive seasons of 2022 and 2023 in a pilot field in south-eastern Morocco using a completely randomized experimental design with four treatments: To: farmer’s practice (50 kg of compost/tree), T1: To + compost tea at 15 liter/tree/week from April to October; T2: To + compost at 50kg/tree and T3: To + combination of 50 kg/tree of compost and tea compost 15L/tree/week from April to October. Results showed that compost tea (T1) and compost (T2) treatments significantly influenced soil macronutrient and micronutrient levels, as well as chemical properties such as organic matter, cation exchange capacity, electrical conductivity, and pH. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant relationships among soil properties, with principal component analysis confirming the variability explained by the main plane. Leaf nutrient content analysis demonstrated sea - sonal variations and treatment effects on phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, nitrogen, copper, manganese, zinc, and iron levels. Correlation analysis of leaf nutrient content highlighted complex interactions between nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients, reflecting their importance in palm leaf physiology. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the benefits of organic inputs in date palm farming, supporting sustainable agricul - tural practices for long-term viability and environmental protection.