Erosion from furrow irrigated land is a serious problem in southern Id
aho and elsewhere in the western United Stares. High molecular weight
anionic Polyacrylamide (a water soluble polymer), increases soil aggre
gate stability and flocculates suspended sediments, thereby reducing s
ediment detachment and transport in irrigation furrows. Application of
0.7 kg/ha/irrigation of polyacrylamide in irrigation water has reduce
d furrow erosion by 85 to 99%. In the present work, sediment movement
and infiltration were measured in a recirculating furrow infiltrometer
with two polyacrylamide treatments. Mean erosion reduction was 70%. P
olyacrylamide increased mean infiltration by 30%, probably the result
of reduced sediment movement and furrow surface seal formation. Infilt
ration was inversely related to maximum sediment concentration in the
flowing water for both heated and untreated furrows. Farmers who use p
olyacrylamide must adapt their irrigation management to the higher inf
iltration to maintain desired irrigation efficiencies.