Use of zeolite and algaenzymes to mitigate water deficit stress in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in the northern region of México

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of zeolite and seaweed extracts on the physiological, biochemical, and productive responses of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. var. Saladette) grown under limited irrigation in an arid environment in northern Mexico. An open-field experiment was established using a randomized complete block design with split plots and three replications. Two soil moisture levels were applied—suboptimal (25 ± 2%) and deficient (20 ± 2%)—along with four treatments: seaweed extract (SE), zeolite (Z), the combination of both (SE+Z), and a control without application. The results showed that water deficiency reduced photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and ranspiration, while the application of zeolite under suboptimal moisture significantly improved the photosynthetic rate and CO₂ fixation efficiency. Photosynthetic pigments showed no significant variations, indicating stability of the photosynthetic apparatus. The combined application of SE+Z promoted greater antioxidant activity and accumulation of phenols and tannins, suggesting an adaptive metabolic response to water stress. In contrast, the exclusive use of zeolite reduced the accumulation of secondary metabolites, likely due to a lower induction of oxidative stress. At the agronomic level, the SE+Z combination favored balanced growth, greater leaf biomass, and a significant increase in both fruit number and weight, particularly under suboptimal moisture. This synergy between the slow nutrient release from zeolite and the bioactive compounds of the seaweed extract optimized water use and improved crop productivity. Overall, the joint application of zeolite and seaweed extract represents a sustainable strategy to strengthen tomato resilience under water scarcity, enhancing both physiological performance and yield in arid regions.