<p>Xyloglucan (XG) is a non-ionic, hydrophilic hemicellulose widely found across plant species. Its biocompatibility, self-assembly behavior, thermo-reversible gelation, hydrophilicity, and tunable physicochemical properties make it an excellent biopolymer for hydrogel fabrication. This review provides a comprehensive outline of XG fundamentals, various modification techniques, and the strategies employed to develop XG-based composite hydrogels. Chemical modification of XG can significantly enhance its physicochemical characteristics, enabling the formation of more stable hydrogels tailored to specific functional requirements. In recent years, interest in the agricultural potential of XG has grown substantially. Xyloglucan-based hydrogels offer several advantages as soil conditioners and plant-support materials. Additionally, modified derivatives of XG, particularly carboxymethylated and graft-copolymerized forms, have demonstrated strong potential for sustained agrochemical delivery, contributing to improved soil properties and crop performance. Despite these advancements, the agricultural utilization of XG-based hydrogels remains relatively limited. Thus, this review not only compiles current insights into XG and its modification but also highlights its emerging applications within plant and soil systems, aiming to fill existing knowledge gaps and identify new research directions for advancing XG-based hydrogel technologies in sustainable agriculture.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>