Effects of Anionic Polyacrylamide on the Increase of Infiltration Rate

A recognition of appropriate soil erosion control methods along with the use of convenient alternatives in erosion control are necessary for a proper management of natural resources. Run off control through polymers is one of the new methods employed in reducing soil erosion. This research was conducted to evaluate the effects of a polymer, called anionic polyacrylamide, on soil infiltarion rate. A factorial experiment based on a compelelty randomised design including the treatments of polymer at 0, 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg, and the final soil infilatration rates (in field and in the laboratory) in five replications was adopted. Data were analysed for an evaluation of the main and interaction effects in homogenous agricultural soils, using SPSS. The resutls indicated that using polyacrylamide at a concetration of 10 mg/kg has an optimal effect on increasing the final infiltartion rate in both field and laboratory conditions. In addition, in an evaluation of the initial infiltration rate, while employing the double ring method in the field along with polyacrylamide containing water, indicated that the polymer at a 10 mg/kg concentration has an optimal effect on enahncing the initial infiltration rate.