The study aimed to assess the effect-combined use different of date palm composts amended with
ligno-cellulolytic fungi and mineral-N on growth and N, P and K-uptake of maize plants in sandy
calcareous soil. Each type of compost was applied either in organic form in dose equivalent to
100% of N fertilization (285 kg ha-1) or in organic form in combination with mineral-N (50% for
each). The experiment was constructed in a complete randomized block design (CRBD). Results
showed that plant height and dry weight of shoot and root of maize significantly increased as a
result of the combined use of compost with mineral-N (1:1, w:w). All types of composts combined
with half-dose of mineral-N was effective, however, compost that contained with Aspergillus niger +
A. subsessilis + Trichoderma lanuginosus + Bacillus sp. was the best. This type of fertilization
increased N-uptake shoot and root of maize more than mineral N-fertilizer by 39.73%-49%. Inaddition, the P-uptake by shoot and root of maize increased by 58.82%-156%. The addition of
compost treatments to the soil increased the total N, P and K after harvesting. Regression analysis
showed positive and significant linear correlation between the application rate of compost and the
availability of P and K in soil.