Effect of date palm compost on the yield, growth and quality of melon (Cucumis melo L)
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Sustainable agriculture is increasingly exploring natural by-products as effective alternatives to conventional chemical fertilizers. This study, conducted from February to May 2023 in a greenhouse environment at the University of Biskra, aimed to evaluate the impact of date palm compost (DPC) on the yield, growth, and quality of melon (Cucumis melo L.), compared to cattle manure (CM) and NPK mineral fertilizer. The experiment utilized was carried out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replicates per treatment, where each plot measured 0.8 m by 3 m and contained 10 melon plants. The treatments included 30 tons per hectare of DPC and CM, alongside 150 kg/ha of NPK (15-15-15) fertilizer. Results revealed that NPK fertilizer significantly enhanced vegetative growth, notably increasing leaf area and stem diameter, which indicates a strong positive effect on overall plant development. Conversely, DPC markedly improved fruit yield and positively influenced key phytochemical properties, such as total soluble solids (TSS % Brix) and juice pH, suggesting enhanced fruit quality. CM, applied at the same dose (30 t/ha), demonstrated less pronounced effects on both growth and yield compared to the other treatments. These findings highlight the potential of DPC as a valuable soil amendment, especially in arid and semi-arid regions where conventional fertilizers may be less sustainable. The results suggest that DPC offers a viable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chemical fertilizers, supporting both increased crop yield and improved fruit quality.
Authors: Mira Merad, Kamel Guimeur, Houda Boutalbi
Institution: University of Biskra
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4407876743