Does polyacrylamide (PAM) reduce surface runoff and soil loss?

As compared with the control, it was obtained that PAM application with a rate of 3.333 kg.ha-1 reduced surface runoff and soil losses by 23.1 and 18.5%, respectively and increased infiltration rate by 24%. Key words: Polyacrylamide (PAM), soil erosion, soil loss, runoff, infiltration rate, simulated rainfall.

How much polyacrylamide can be applied to a soil?

By considering the price and application cost of polyacrylamide, it is concluded that, PAM application of 500 mg L-1 (3.333 kg ha-1) is the most appropriate for reducing soil and runoff losses and increasing the infiltration rate of soils.

Does polyacrylamide application rate affect soil erosion and nutrient loss?

A laboratory research experiment under simulated heavy rainfall with tap water was conducted to investigate the effects of anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) application rates (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g m −2) and molecular weights (12 and 18 Mg mol −1) on runoff, soil erosion, and soil nutrient loss at a slope of 5°.

Does polyacrylamide affect soil infiltration rate?

Polyacrylamide’s ability to maintain soil structure, reduce soil dispersion and prevent the formation of slowly permeable surface seal was reported by Lentz and Sojka (1994) and this will explain the increased infiltration rate of PAM applicated soil. Soil infiltration rate was affected by different doses of PAM (Figure 17).

What is water soluble anionic polyacrylamide (PAM)?

Water soluble anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) is a highly effective erosion preventing and infiltration enhancing polymer, when applied at rates of 1–10 g m −3 in furrow irrigation water. PAM greatly reduces sediment, nutrients, pesticides and coliform bacteria in irrigation runoff.

Does polyacrylamide stabilize soil structure?

Polyacrylamide (PAM) can stabilize soil structure but does not remediate poor soil structure (Cook and Nelson, 1986; Green and Stott, 2001). For agricultural uses, soil with good infiltra-tion and stable aggregation is imperative. As infiltration decreases, runoff and erosion increase, thus, degrading the soil.