Can polyacrylamide improve soil fertility and crop yield?

Improving soil fertility and crop yield through application of soil amendments such as polyacrylamide (PAM), lime, gypsum, and biochar to agricultural land has emerged as a strategy in numerous countries (Agegnehu et al. 2016; Lee et al. 2015; Sojka et al. 2007). PAM is non-toxic and environmentally friendly (Entry et al. 2008; Song et al. 2018).

Does anionic polyacrylamide reduce soil erosion?

Anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) has the potential to reduce soil erosion through soil conditioning. However, a comprehensive study about its effectiveness especially when applied combined with other amendments have rarely been conducted in the tropical highland climatic conditions, such as in Ethiopia.

Does polyacrylamide increase teff yield?

Overall, this study demonstrated that the use of polyacrylamide (PAM) with biochar on slightly acidic, and with lime on moderately to strongly acidic soils increased teff yield with highest net benefit and marginal rate of return than application of PAM, gypsum, lime, biochar, and farmyard manure alone or PAM + gypsum treatments and the control.

Can soil amendments improve crop production in the Ethiopian Highlands?

This study demonstrated that application of PAM alone and combined with other soil amendments is an effective measure for conserving soil and water on croplands and improve crop production in the Ethiopian highlands. Amendments generally improved soil pH, OM, and SI, resulting in increased infiltration rates and reduced runoff and soil loss.

How does soil quality affect teff productivity in Ethiopia?

However, the productivity of teff in Ethiopia is strongly affected by the declining soil fertility and increasing soil acidity (Abewa et al. 2013). Therefore, improving soil quality to increase the productivity of teff is crucial to feed the ever-growing population.