Enhancement of Date Palm Growth Throw the Use of Organic Fertilizer and Microbial Agents

• Published in: Journal of soil science and plant nutrition Vol. 22; no. 2; pp. 1468 - 1477
• Main Authors: El Kinany, Said, El Hilali, Rania, Achbani, El Hassan, Haggoud, Abdellatif, Bouamri, Rachid
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.06.2022; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Acclimatization; Agriculture; Agrochemicals; Arid regions; Arid zones; Biological properties; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Chlorophyll; Colonization; Composting; Composts; Consortia; Diameters; Ecology; Environment; Experiments; Fertilizers; Fungi; Humidity; Life Sciences; Local population; Microorganisms; Organic fertilizers; Organic matter; Original Paper; Parameters; Physiological adaptation; Physiology; Plant growth; Plant Sciences; Seeds; Soil characteristics; Soil properties; Soil Science & Conservation; Soil structure; Sorghum; Morocco; Compost; Mycorrhizal fungi; Plant growth promotion; Date palm
• ISSN: 0718-9508; 0718-9516
• DOI: 10.1007/s42729-021-00746-z

Date palm is the most important species of the palm family (Palmaceae), used to generate income for the local population. However, the growth of date palm in arid regions implies an abusive use of chemical fertilizers, which has harmful consequences on the environment and biological properties of the soil. These compounds are not optimally uptaken by date palm due to poor soil characteristics such as soil structure, high pH value, and low organic matter. Hence, seeking a sustainable alternative is an urgent necessity. Compost, mycorrhizal consortium (MycENA16), and Pantoea agglomerans strain were used to promote date palm growth under greenhouse conditions. Growth assessment was carried out by root colonization determination, growth parameter measurement, and mineral nutrition analysis. After 10 months of culture, root colonization with MycENA16 was very important (82% for frequency and 68% for intensity) and all mycorrhizal structures were observed within the roots. Despite the compost amendment, the colonization rate was not significantly affected. The growth rate of stem diameter was increased by 563% compared to the control plants. Besides, root fresh and dry weights were increased by 793% and 120%, respectively, only when compost was enriched with P. agglomerans . Total chlorophyll and leaf mineral content were significantly increased compared to control. The best results of growth parameters and foliar nutrition were obtained when MycENA16, P. agglomerans , and compost functioned synergistically. These amendments should have a crucial effect on date palm growth, especially at the acclimatization stage, and a high success under field conditions.