Effect of date palm compost on the yield, growth and quality of melon (Cucumis melo L)

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.