Production of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) with the implementation of a physical soil conditioner applied during the dry season

Abstract

This study evaluated the influence of a soil conditioner based on a superabsorbent starch polymer on the production of the Criolla variety of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) during the dry season, from February to May 2025, at the Center for Agri-Food and Environmental Research and Transfer (CITAM) in El Salvador. A completely randomized design (CRD) was used to compare two treatments: one with polymer application (2 ounces/plant) and a control group without application. To evaluate water optimization, irrigation was differentiated: the group with the conditioner was irrigated twice a week, while the control required daily irrigation. Plant height, fruit weight, and fruit length and diameter were evaluated. The results revealed that the application of the polymer significantly increased the average plant height (124.80 cm vs. 91.20 cm, p<0.001), average fruit weight (316.88 g vs. 250.56 g, p<0.001), length (17.72 cm vs. 11.84 cm, p<0.001), and diameter (8.40 cm vs. 6.92 cm, p<0.001) of the fruit. These findings confirm that the conditioner, by optimizing soil conditions including water and nutrient availability, has a positive influence on the growth and yield of eggplant under drought conditions. The application of this product represents a viable option for sustainable agriculture in areas with water scarcity.