Transforming Date Palm Agro-Waste into Organic Compost: A Review of Sustainable Farming Systems

Abstract

Sustainable management of agricultural residues is essential to address environmental degradation and promote soil health, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), which is widely cultivated in these areas, generates substantial organic waste, including leaves, stems, seeds, and fibers. Traditional disposal practices such as open burning and landfilling contribute to pollution and the loss of valuable organic matter. Composting offers a promising, environmentally friendly solution by converting date palm biomass into nutrient-rich organic amendments that improve soil structure, enhance fertility, and increase crop yields. This review examines the potential of composting as a sustainable strategy for valorizing date palm agro-waste. It discusses the composting process, nutrient content, and effects on soil properties, microbial communities, and plant growth. The review also highlights challenges such as quality control, scalability, and policy support, while emphasizing the role of composting in reducing chemical fertilizer use, enhancing carbon sequestration, and promoting circular agriculture systems.