What is water soluble anionic polyacrylamide (PAM)?

Previous studies found that water soluble anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) is one of the highly effective measures for enhancing infiltration, reducing runoff, preventing erosion, controlling nonpoint source of pollutants, and eventually protecting soil and water environment.

Why is polyacrylamide used in rain-fed agriculture?

The increased infiltration results in less runoff and erosion as well as reduced water usage. Polyacrylamide is economical under certain conditions in rain-fed agriculture such as on soils used for high value crops as well as management of problem areas in a field. Polyacrylamide is effective in reducing runoff, erosion, and soil sealing.

Can polyacrylamide be used as a soil conditioner?

Polyacrylamide can be cost effective in rain-fed agriculture under certain management regimes such as on soils highly susceptible to crusting and breaking the cycle of crusting-low organic residue production-crusting. As a soil conditioner, PAM is another tool that can be used to manage our soil resources.

How effective is Pam for erosion control?

PAM used for erosion control is a large (12–15 Mg mol −1) water‐soluble (non‐cross‐linked) anionic molecule, containing <0.05% acrylamide monomer. In a series of field studies, PAM eliminated 80–99% (94% avg.) of sediment in runoff from furrow irrigation, with a 15–50% infiltration increase compared to controls on medium to fine‐textured soils.

Does polyacrylamide protect soil resources?

Use of soil amendments, including anionic polyacrylamide (PAM), is one of many options for protecting soil resources. Polyacrylamide has been the focus of a substantial amount of research in the 1990s. Our objective is to present a review of the recent findings and advancements in PAM work.

What are the environmental benefits of polyacrylamide?

Environmental benefits include reduced soil loss, reduced pesticide and fertilizer runoff. This enhances both soil and water quality, both on site and off site. Polyacrylamide is an alternative to traditional erosion control practices.