Effect of Nano-chelated Iron and Potgrond Organic Fertilizer on the Growth Characteristics of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cv. Khalas

Improper uses of fertilizers and unskilled practices in date palm orchard management usually result in nutrient depletion, leading to reduced productivity. To address this issue, a study was conducted to assess the impact of nano-chelated iron and organic fertilizer (Potgrond) on physiological, biochemical, physical characteristics, and productivity of date palm. The experiment took place in a private orchard located in Al-Haritha District, Basra, Iraq (2022-2023). A combination of foliar nano-chelated iron (180 mg L-1) and the field application of organic fertilizer (potgrond) (8 kg tree-1) caused maximum values of leaf chlorophyll content (9.99 mg 100 g-1), carbohydrates (49.15 mg g-1), nitrogen (3.06%), phosphorus (0.223%), potassium (2.15%), and iron (0.198%), compared to the control treatment. The lowest values of leaf chlorophyll content (6.81 mg 100 g-1), carbohydrates (26.27 mg g-1), nitrogen (1.58%), phosphorus (0.126%), potassium (1.13%), and iron (0.105%) occurred in response to the absence of nano-chelated iron and potgrond. The foliar application of nano-chelated iron (180 mg L-1) and potgrond (8 kg tree-1) caused the highest values of fruit length (3.91 cm), diameter (2.92 cm), weight (11.40 g), size (12.11 cm3), dry matter (64.77%), total soluble solids (62.69%), and total sugars (59.26%). The absence of nano-chelated iron and potgrond caused the lowest values of fruit length (3.39 cm), diameter (2.50 cm), weight (8.05 g), size (8.36 cm3), dry matter (58.63%), total soluble solids (56.42%), and total sugars (54.59%). These findings underscored the significant of utilizing these substances to enhance date palm growth while increasing yield production and quality.