How can a water soluble anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) reduce soil erosion?

Application of water-soluble anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) to the soil. Reduce soil erosion by water or wind. Improve soil surface infiltration rate and minimize soil crusting to allow for uniform plant growth. Irrigated lands susceptible to irrigation-induced erosion where the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) of irrigation water is less than 15.

Can polyacrylamide be used for erosion control?

The chemical polyacrylamide (PAM) is well suited for erosion control enhancement, and its use is described below. PAM is a term describing a wide variety of chemicals based on the acrylamide and acrylate units. When linked in long chains, these units can be modified to result in a net positive, neutral, or negative charge on the PAM molecule.

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 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.

Does Pam protect soil from rain droplet impacts?

PAM does not directly protect soil from rain droplet impacts, but it reduces soil detachment, maintains the soil’s structure, and increases infiltration rates early in the rain event. PAM is applied as a liquid using typical erosion control equipment such as hydroseeders or hydromulchers.

Does Pam improve soil structure?

PAM does not improve soil structure, but it will help maintain the existing structure for a period of time after application. Sandy soils with little clay will not benefit from PAM applications. Published research suggests that 20 pounds per acre are the minimum required for significant benefits in reducing erosion.