ARS | Publication request: USDA-ARS perspective on PAM

Submitted to: PAM and Alternatives to PAM
Publication Type: Proceedings/Symposium
Publication Acceptance Date: April 3, 2008
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Polyacrylamide (PAM) described herein is a synthetic organic polymer used globally by a number of important industries. It also has a number of valuable applications in irrigated agriculture, including its use in furrow irrigation to control erosion and sediment loss in runoff, manage infiltration, and a growing use for reducing seepage losses in unlined irrigation canals and reservoirs. This report discusses the extensive research program at the USDA-ARS Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory (Kimberly, ID) that has been instrumental in developing PAM technologies and growing its potential and useful application in irrigated agriculture. Many years of laboratory and field studies have resulted in a thorough documentation of the benefits and effectiveness of PAM for erosion control and infiltration management in irrigated agriculture. These results also provide strong evidence that PAM applied at recommended dosages in field irrigations has minimal negative environmental consequences. PAM is one of several important tools available to farmers for reducing erosion and improving runoff water irrigation quality and should continue to be considered as part of a thoughtful management plan.