Does polyacrylamide stabilize soil structure?

Costly repairs and reshaping of slopes as well as sedimentation and water pollution result in environmental and economic losses to the general public as well as the contractor. Polyacrylamide (PAM) can stabilize soil structure but does not remediate poor soil structure.

What is an anionic polyacrylamide (PAM)?

The use of soil amendments, including anionic polyacrylamide (PAM), is one of many options for protecting soil resources. In most applications, anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) is often used as a soil amendment to manage infiltration, runoff and soil erosion (Entry and Sojka, 2003, Lentz et al., 1998, Lentz et al., 2001, Sojka et al., 1998).

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.

Does polyacrylamide affect infiltration in irrigated agriculture?

Polyacrylamide effects on infiltration in irrigated agriculture. J. Soil Water Conserv. 53, 325-331. Sojka, R. E., Lentz, R. D., and Westermann, D. T. (1998b). Water and erosion manage-ment with multiple applications of polyacrylamide in furrow irrigation. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 62, 1672-1680.

Does polyacrylamide reduce soil erosion in furrow irrigation?

Research results indicated that PAM application decreased soil erosion in furrow irrigation significantly (Trout et al., 1995). Polyacrylamide treatments showed the greatest infiltration improvement and erosion reduction compared with the controls.

Can polyacrylamide be used for erosion and turbidity control?

Polyacrylamide use for erosion and turbidity control on construction sites. J. Soil Water Conserv. 60, 193-199. He, M., and Horikawa, Y. (1996). Flocculation and stabilization of allophane in the presence of an anionic microbial polysaccharide (gum xanthan) and several of its hydrolytic intermedi-ates. Soil Sci. Plant Nutr. 42, 637-644.