Polyacrylamide effects on infiltration in irrigated agriculture

Polyacrylamide (PAM) for erosion control is an effective soil conservation practice used on about a million hectares worldwide. Initial research and p romotion focused primarily on furrow irrigation erosion reduction and sedim ent retention. PAM use increases infiltration on fine- and medium-textured soils due to differences between and PAM-treated surface seals. However, su bsurface compaction and texture reduce the infiltration effects of PAM use. Infiltration increases with AM in sprinkler irrigation are initially large , but more-transient than with furrow irrigation. Understanding these effec ts has important implications for management.