Response of date palm (phoenix dactylifera)‎ transplants to combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers under different irrigation systems in the new valley

Abstract EN

This trial was conducted under commercial field conditions in Dakhla Oasis, New Valley Governorate- Egypt, in order to investigate the influence of two irrigation systems (flood and drip irrigation), combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers and different date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) cultivars (i.

e.

Barhi, Sagae.

Khadry and Majdool) in sandy soil during the study season (2013 - 2014).

Four different combinations of organic and mineral fertilizers were evaluated as compared to the control (i.

e.

100% mineral).

The treatments include (1)100% mineral; (2) 100% cattle manure; (3) 100% chicken manure; (4) 50% mineral plus 50% cattle and (5) 50% mineral plus 50% chicken manure.

.

All treatments were arranged in a split-split plot design with three replicates; irrigation systems were arranged in the main plot while the combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers were arranged in sub plot, and date palm cultivars were arrange in sub-sub plot.

Vegetative growth parameters (Plant length and number of leaves) were measured as well as physical and chemical characteristics of soil before and after application were analyzed.

The results showed that application of different organic manures to the sandy soil improved its physical properties including soil field capacity, wilting point conductivity as well as available water compared to the soil without organic manures (control).

The chemical analysis of soil indicated that, flood irrigation led to decrease soil pH; the 100% of manure fertilizer decreased soil pH more than other fertilizers combinations.

The cation exchange capacity (CEC) showed similar trend as that of pH.

In contrast, the soil EC had different trend; the 100% mineral fertilizers gave the lowest EC values followed by 50% mineral plus 50% organic fertilizers; the highest soil EC was obtained by 100% cattle or chicken manure.

The pH, CEC and EC of soil were higher under drip irrigation as compared to flood irrigation system. Date palm plant growth was influenced by increasing organic manure under irrigation system.

Plant length and number of leaves per plant were increased by 50% mineral and 50% cattle under drip irrigation as compared to other treatments.

The highest plant growth parameter was obtained by 50% mineral and 50% cattle combined with drip irrigation system for Majdool cultivar during the experimental season.