What is an anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) erosion control?

ANIONIC POLYACRYLAMIDE (PAM) EROSION CONTROL Erosion control through application of water- soluble anionic polyacrylamide (PAM). Minimize or control irrigation-induced soil erosion. Reduce wind and/or precipitation erosion. This standard does not apply to the application of polyacrylamides to flowing, non-irrigation, waters.

How can Pam be used to control erosion?

Control of erosion can be improved by combining the use of PAM with other conservation practices. If water containing PAM leaves the field and mixes with a sediment-laden stream of water, it may increase downstream or offsite deposition of sediment.

How much Pam should be applied to soil after rainfall?

Soil treated with PAM, after rainfall. Rates of PAM application range from 10 to 100 pounds/Acre, depending upon the type of flow expected and the severity of the slope’s erosion potential. For common agricultural fields, a rate of about 18 lbs/A is typically recommended.

What is polyacrylamide (PAM)?

PAM, or anionic Polyacrylamide, is a very long chain, high molecular weight organic polymer produced from natural gas, with characteristics which make it useful as a soil amendment to control runoff and soil loss.

How can polyacrylamide be used to control erosion?

Use of polyacrylamide in combination with other conservation and Best Management Practices will improve erosion control. Other conservation treatments such as land leveling, irrigation water management, reduced tillage, reservoir tillage, crop rotations, etc. should be used in conjunction with this practice to control irrigation-induced erosion.

How much gypsum is used in soil erosion research?

From left to right is an untreated control (C), PAM (P), and PAM plus Gypsum (PG). PAM rate used here was 72 lbs/Acre and gypsum rate was 2.6 tons/Acre. Research was conducted by the USDA-ARS National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory in West Lafayette, Indiana, just south of the Purdue University campus.