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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Kimberly, Idaho » Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #59719
Title: POLYACRYLAMIDE (PAM) - A NEW WEAPON IN THE FIGHT AGAINST IRRIGATION-INDUCEDEROSION

Author
item Sojka, Robert
item LENTZ, RODRICK - UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO

Submitted to: Agricultural Research Service Station Bulletin
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/1/1994
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: There is great farmer and research interest in using polyacrylamide (PAM) in irrigation water to abate erosion. There is poor understanding of important PAM properties and use-considerations. This Station Note was prepared as an information sheet to conserve scientist time in providing basic information to potential PAM users (farmers and scientists). The Kimberly ARS lab has logged >200 phone calls since Fall of 1993 seeking PAM information. The PAMs for this use are very high molecular weight (15 Mg/mole), 18% anionic polymers. They require slow addition to water with very aggressive mixing to properly dissolve. PAM is approved by EPA and FDA for sensitive food and environmental uses. Acrylamide monomer (a toxic manufacturing contaminant) is kept at safe levels (<0.05% by weight), degrades easily, and is not released by PAM decomposition. PAM is most effective when applied in irrigation water, halting 95% of irrigation-induced erosion and increasing infiltration by 15% or more. Typical seasonal application amounts are estimated at 3-7 lbs/acre @ about 3-5$ per pound, which compares very favorably for cost, ease of use, and effectiveness compared to other irrigation-induced erosion control methods.

Technical Abstract: Polyacrylamide (PAM) in irrigation water virtually halts (95%) furrow irrigation-induced erosion when applied in the water. The PAMs for this use are very high molecular weight (15 Mg/mole), 18% anionic polymers. They require slow addition to water with very aggressive mixing to properly dissolve. PAM is approved by EPA and FDA for environmental and food uses. Acrylamide monomer (a toxic manufacturing contaminant) is kept at safe levels (<0.05% by weight), degrades easily, and is not released by PAM decomposition. Higher PAM application rates are thought to be needed if used in sprinkler irrigation. PAM increases infiltration by 15% or more, prolonging furrow water advance time. PAM remains highly effective at slopes up 7%. Furrow water streams can be doubled with not increase in erosion, allowing better irrigation uniformity and reduced nitrate leaching potential. Typical seasonal application amounts are estimated at 3-7 lbs/acre @ about 3-5$ per pound, which compares very favorably for cost, ease of use, and effectiveness compared to other irrigation-induced erosion control methods.