ARS | Publication request: EROSION CONTROL WITH POLYACRYLAMIDE ON STEEP SLOPES

Submitted to: American Society of Agricultural Engineers Meetings Papers
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: July 19, 1999
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) has been shown in some previous experiments to enhance infiltration and reduce soil loss on typical agricultural slopes (1-15%). Current cost of the PAM material is a limiting factor for its widespread use in normal non-irrigated crop production regions. However, use of PAM may be particularly beneficial as well as cost- effective on critically disturbed steep slopes during periods of establishment of permament vegetative cover. This paper presents results from three field studies in which PAM was applied to 33% and greater slopes. Two of the studies were under natural rainfall conditions, and one of the studies was under simulated rainfall. Results show that the polyacrylamide significantly reduced runoff and soil loss compared to nontreated areas.