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.

Is polyacrylamide a good soil conditioner?

However, as these solutions are proposed, numerous doubts and opposing opinions are emerging. Polyacrylamide (PAM), also known as “soil conditioner”, “soil amendment” and “soil stabilizer” in soil science (Gilda Dell'Ambrogio and Wong, 2019), is commonly used to modify the unfavorable and damaged characteristics of soil.

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.

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.

What is polyacrylamide used for?

Polyacrylamide is also used to stabilize steep slopes in construction, highway cuts, and other disturbed soils. The economics of PAM use can encourage its use in many instances and discourage its use in others. Polyacrylamide is very cost effective in furrow irrigation systems where it can be applied at low rates through the irrigation water.

Why is polyacrylamide used in irrigation?

In rain-fed agriculture and sprinkler irrigation, PAM is used to reduce surface sealing and crusting as well as erosion. Polyacrylamide is also used to stabilize steep slopes in construction, highway cuts, and other disturbed soils. The economics of PAM use can encourage its use in many instances and discourage its use in others.