Date Palm Wastes Co-composted Product: An Efficient Substrate for Tomato (Solanum lycopercicum L.) Seedling Production

Purpose The present study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using co composted date palm waste fibers as a growth medium for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants production under greenhouse. Methods Date palm waste fibers were co-composted with goat manure, and the resulting compost was characterized and evaluated for its effects on the tomato plants growth under greenhouse conditions. The tested substrates included a control composed of 100% soil, soil mixed with the produced compost or goat manure, experimented at two concentrations of 20 and 30% (v:v). For these substrates, small pieces of crushed palm waste fibers were added at a rate of 5% to test their efficiency as a biological structuring agent. Results The results revealed that the compost displayed high levels of nutrients (N, P, K), a relatively low C/N ratio of 17, and a fertilizing value similar to that of goat manure, exhibiting its stability and lack of phytotoxic effect. Greenhouse experiment showed that co-composting of date palm waste fibers and goat manure induced positive effects on soil quality by increasing its organic matter content. The addition of crushed palm waste fibers increased seed germination percent for both manure and compost. Conclusions Date palm waste composting constitutes the suitable substrate for tomato seed germination, aerial growth and root development. Consequently, the date palm waste fibers co composting could offer a viable, ecological and sustainable alternative to conventional fertilizers.