Hydrogel as a Soil Amendment for Enhancing Tomato Growth and Soil Health in Sandy Soils of Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

A pot experiment was conducted at Organic Research Farm, Karaguanji, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, (U.P.), during Kharif Season 2024-25. This study aims to the effect of hydrogel, deficit irrigation and course sandy soil type on water holding capacity, soil physic-chemical properties and yield attributes and yields of Tomato with six treatments and four replications. The results clearly revealed that application of hydrogel significantly improved soil properties such as WHC, available nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Treatments having RDF+1.0% hydrogel (T5) having highest porosity and lowest bulk density and particle density value than other treatments. Consequently, a significantly higher number of fruits per plant, fruit diameter, average fruit weight and yield found in RDF + 1.0 hydrogel (w/w) (T5) treatment. Therefore, it can be summarized that addition of RDF + 1.0 hydrogel (w/w) (T5) recommendation significantly improved soils physical and chemical. This leads to a significant increase in tomato production. Results finding confirms that the application of hydrogels might be suggested to improve soil water holding capacity and enhance water use efficiency arid and semi arid conditions.