Synergistic Effect of Compost and Subsurface Water Retention Technology on Optimizing Soil Properties and Argan (<i>Argania spinosa</i> L. Skeels) Performances Under Field Conditions.

ABSTRACT: Argania spinosa L. Skeels is an ecological pillar of the arid zones of South-West Morocco, currently threatened by the drastic climate change. This study investigates the effect of the combined application of compost (C) and subsurface water retention technology (SWRT) on field performances of one-(1Y) and two-year-old (2Y) argan seedlings. A randomized field trial was performed with four treatments: Control, C, SWRT, and C + SWRT. We evaluated soil properties, growth, and physiology, alongside biochemical parameters including stress markers, compatible solutes, antioxidant enzyme activities, and secondary metabolites. The results reveal the significant effect of C and/or SWRT on argan seedlings performances, particularly in 1Y subjects. The C + SWRT strongly stimulated stem elongat

SUBMITTER: Fassih B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12899142 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature