Can polyacrylamide be used as a soil stabilizing agent?

This chapter considers the potential of polyacrylamide (PAM, a synthetic organic polymer), as a soilstabilizing agent. Addition of PAM to aggregates at the soil surface leads to their stabilization and to improved bonding between adjacent aggregates that, in turn, improves soil physical and hydraulic properties.

Does polyacrylamide treatment reduce soil erosion?

Furthermore, polyacrylamide treatments increased water-stable aggregates content by 32.3% to 59.1%, total porosity by 11.3% to 49.0%, infiltrative rate by 41.3% to 72.5%, and reduced soil erosion by 18.9% to 39.8% compared with the control group.

What is an anionic polyacrylamide (PAM)?

The use of soil amendments, including anionic polyacrylamide (PAM), is one of many options for protecting soil resources. In most applications, anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) is often used as a soil amendment to manage infiltration, runoff and soil erosion (Entry and Sojka, 2003, Lentz et al., 1998, Lentz et al., 2001, Sojka et al., 1998).

Does polyacrylamide reduce sediment in irrigation?

PAM, used following NRCS guidelines (Interim conservation practice standard—irrigation erosion control (polyacrylamide), 1995, Anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) erosion control (Acre)‐code 450 USDA‐NRCS, NHCP, 2001), reduced sediment in runoff 94% in 3 years of furrow irrigation studies in Idaho (Lentz and Sojka, 1994).

Does polyacrylamide reduce soil erosion in furrow irrigation?

Research results indicated that PAM application decreased soil erosion in furrow irrigation significantly (Trout et al., 1995). Polyacrylamide treatments showed the greatest infiltration improvement and erosion reduction compared with the controls.

Can polymers improve soil permeability?

A number of studies have shown that polymers are available to improve agricultural soil in terms of aggregate stability, soil permeability, and preventing soil erosion, particularly anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) .