Author
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Lentz, Rodrick |
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Submitted to: Yearbook of Science and Technology
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 1/14/1995 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Agricultural erosion research has focused primarily on rainfall-induced soil loss, but erosion losses associated with surface irrigation practices can be equally severe. Furrow-irrigation induced erosion is highly detrimental, both on and off site. But, even though furrow erosion can be reduced using several well-known and successful practices, these alternatives have not appealed to farm managers. If erosion control is to be more uniformly implemented, farmers require a simple, economical erosion prevention method that permits them to use familiar tillage and crop cultural practices. New technology employing water-soluble polymers may provide such a method. The technique involves the application of 10 mg/L of polyacrylamide (PAM) polymer to the furrow irrigation stream. Optimal anionic-PAM applications have reduced mean soil loss from furrow irrigated fields 94%, while net water infiltration into soil increased 15%. PAM treatment also improves furrow tailwater quality by decreasing levels of phosphorus, nitrate, and biochemical oxygen demand. This paper describes PAM, discusses related environmental issues, explains how PAM influences furrow processes, and evaluates various PAM application strategies used in the field. Research has demonstrated that anionic PAM technology safely controls furrow irrigation-induced soil erosion for a range of soils and irrigation water inflows. |
