Hydrogel application alters physical and chemical properties of soil, reducing fertirrigation needs in tomato crop.

• The agricultural hydrogel alters the physical-water and fertility of the soil. • Fertilization recommendations do not take into account the use of soil conditioners. • Culture development is accelerated when using hydrogel. • Fertigated tomato cultivation in sandy soil containing hydrogel. The objective was to evaluate how the interaction between hydrogel concentrations and fertirrigation recommendations influences soil physical and chemical properties and, consequently, growth rate and yield of 'BRS Zamir F1′ cherry tomato. The experiment was carried out in Teresina, Piaui state, Brazil, and consisted of 12 treatments (4 × 3 factorial) arranged in randomized blocks with four replications: four levels of hydrogel (0, 1, 2, and 3 g dm−3) incorporated to soil, and three levels of fertirrigation (80, 100, and 120 % of fertilizer recommendation). Soil physical and chemical properties, plant growth, fruit yield, biometric and qualitative traits of fruits were evaluated. Soil moisture at field capacity increased by 21.39 % at 3 g dm−3 hydrogel concentration compared to soil without hydrogel. Soil aeration peaked at 1.80 g dm−3 at a hydrogel concentration of 3 g dm−3, representing an increase of 16.78 %. Soil density was 1.24 g cm−3 at hydrogel concentration of 3 g dm−3. Soil P content reached 1.76 mg dm−3 at hydrogel concentration of 3 g dm−3. K, Ca, and Na contents in soil were 0.70 cmol c dm−3, 4.10 cmol c dm−3 and 0.49 cmol c dm−3 at 1.92, 3.0, and 1.56 g dm−3 of hydrogel, respectively. We conclude that the improvement in the soil's physical and water-holding characteristics due to hydrogel application resulted in faster growth of 'BRS Zamir F1′ cherry tomato. Hydrogel application allows for the reduction in fertirrigation recommendation by 20 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]