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The present study aims to evaluate the effect of Acacia cyanophylla compost on quality and post-planting performance of Pinus pinea seedlings. Accordingly, nine composts based growing media and a control made of forest humus were used for seedling production in nursery. At the end of the nursery phase, seedling samples representing each growing media were transplanted to the field and monitored for five years to confirm the results of the nursery phase. The results obtained showed that the compost-based substrates provided better growing conditions for Pinus pinea seedlings and resulted in significant growth gains of 28 to 38% in height and 25 to 44% in diameter, 48 to 62% in total seedling dry weight and a better root regeneration capacity compared to those of the control substrate. Furthermore, the results obtained from the field growth, it appears that the nature and the composition of substrates used in the nursery phase may continue to have a prolonged effect on seeding growth, field recovery and survival for at least five years after out planting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]