Effect of water-saving technologies on productivity and profitability of tomato cultivation in Galapagos, Ecuador

Abstract

We tested the effect of two water-saving systems (Groasis Waterboxx® and Hydrogel polymer), compared with conventional drip irrigation, on the productivity, profitability, and water efficiency of greenhouse tomato cultivation in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos. We measured the weight and volume of individual tomato fruits, along with biweekly production, over a typical growing cycle, and found that tomatoes grown with water-saving systems were significantly heavier and larger than those produced with conventional drip irrigation, which led to a 28% average increase in tomato production using both technologies. compared to drip irrigation, Groasis and Hydrogel also reduced water use by 71 and 48%, respectively. While both systems yielded a net profit, using Hydrogel was 51% more profitable than conventional drip irrigation. Water-saving systems such as Groasis and Hydrogel may provide more sustainable solutions for profitable tomato cultivation in environments with low annual rainfall and limited access to irrigation water, such as the Galapagos Islands.