What is ionic polyacrylamide (PAM)?

Anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) has been sold since 1995 to reduce irrigation‐induced erosion and enhance infiltration.

Does dry granular Pam reduce runoff and erosion?

Surface application of dry granular PAM mixed with gypsum was effective in decreasing runoff and erosion. However, surface application of dry granular PAM without a source of electrolytes was not effective in maintaining a good infiltration rate (IR), but was effective in preventing erosion.

Does Pam reduce soil erosion?

In view of the small amounts of polymers added to soil and the far greater impact on soil loss, the authors did not identify use of PAM as contributing meaningfully to field loss of pesticides. By far the most significant environmental effect of PAM use for erosion reduction is its improvement of surface water quality.

Does gypsum and dissolved polyacrylamide reduce runoff and erosion?

Surface application of dissolved polyacrylamide (PAM) mixed with gypsum was found to be effective in decreasing seal formation, runoff and erosion. Surface application of dry granular PAM mixed with gypsum was effective in decreasing runoff and erosion.

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).

Is polyacrylic acid a product of Pam degradation?

Hayashi et al. (1994) suggested that the simple compound polyacrylic acid might be another product of PAM degradation under some conditions, which can also be metabolized by microorganisms.