Can polyacrylamide be used as a soil conditioner?

Polyacrylamide can be cost effective in rain-fed agriculture under certain management regimes such as on soils highly susceptible to crusting and breaking the cycle of crusting-low organic residue production-crusting. As a soil conditioner, PAM is another tool that can be used to manage our soil resources.

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 labor and material costs?

In construction applications, PAM reduces labor and material costs. Polyacrylamide can be cost effective in rain-fed agriculture under certain management regimes such as on soils highly susceptible to crusting and breaking the cycle of crusting-low organic residue production-crusting.

Is polyacrylamide a good solution for soil degradation?

Soil degradation is a significant problem throughout the world. 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.

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.