Vermicompost and biochar improve yield, yield components and fruit quality of Seewy date palm variety

AbdulBasser, A. R.; Abd EL-all, E. E. H.

doi:10.21608/svuijas.2025.361608.1440

Vermicompost and biochar improve yield, yield components and fruit quality of Seewy date palm variety

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Pomology, Horticulture Department ,Faculty of Agriculture , Sohag University , Sohag , Egypt

² Horticulture department, Faculty of Agriculture , Sohag University , Sohag , Egypt

10.21608/svuijas.2025.361608.1440

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of vermicompost and biochar applications on the yield, yield components, and fruit quality of the Seewy date palm cultivar grown in reclaimed sandy soils. The experiment evaluated different treatment levels of vermicompost (10, 15, and 20 kg/palm) and biochar (1000 and 2000 g/palm), applied individually and in combination, over two growing seasons of 2023 and 2024. Results indicate that the combined application of 20 kg vermicompost and 1000 g biochar per palm significantly enhanced fruit set percentage, yield per palm, and total number of bunches compared to individual applications or controls. The highest fruit weight (367.4 g) and pulp weight (321.8 g) were recorded in palms treated with 20 kg vermicompost per palm. Fruit size, length, and width also improved with vermicompost and biochar applications, with the best results observed in palms receiving 20 kg vermicompost alone or in combination with 1000 g biochar. In terms of fruit quality, total soluble solids (TSS), TSS/acid ratio, and sugar content were significantly enhanced by the combined application of 20 kg vermicompost and 1000 g biochar per palm. This treatment also resulted in the lowest fruit acidity and highest reducing sugar percentage, indicating improved fruit sweetness and consumer appeal. The findings suggest that integrating vermicompost and biochar amendments in sandy soils can significantly improve the productivity and quality of Seewy date palms, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers for growers in arid regions.

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