SECCO Polyacrylamide, abbreviated as PAM, is a highly efficient polymer. In the field of land erosion prevention, it functions as a soil conditioner and water purifier, playing a unique and crucial role and is hailed as the “super glue of soil”.
Its core function lies in physically and chemically binding loose soil particles together, thereby enhancing the soil’s ability to resist wind and water erosion.
I. The main mechanism of PAM in preventing land erosion
Floculating soil particles
The PAM molecule chain contains a large number of charges (usually anionic PAM is used for this purpose), and it can “bridge” to bind the fine, dispersed clay and fine particles in the soil into larger agglomerated structures.
These large agglomerates are heavier and less likely to be blown away by wind or washed away by water flow.
Stabilizing soil structure
The formed soil agglomerates are more stable and can effectively prevent the soil from dispersing or disintegrating under the impact of raindrops or irrigation water. This reduces erosion at its source.
Increasing soil infiltration and reducing surface runoff
This is a very crucial function of PAM. When the soil surface is stable, rainwater or irrigation water can more easily penetrate the soil rather than forming surface runoff.
Surface runoff is the main driving force of soil erosion. Reducing runoff means directly reducing soil loss. Studies show that the correct use of PAM can reduce surface runoff by up to 50% – 90%.
Forming a surface protection layer
After the PAM solution is applied, a thin and tough physical protective film forms on the soil surface. This film can directly resist the impact force of raindrops, prevent soil crust formation, and keep the soil pores unobstructed, further promoting water infiltration.
II. Main application scenarios
Agricultural irrigation (especially furrow irrigation and sprinkler irrigation)
This is the most widely used and mature field of PAM application. Adding a very small amount of PAM (usually at a concentration of 1 – 10 ppm) to the irrigation water can significantly reduce soil erosion and nutrient loss caused by irrigation, while improving the efficiency of irrigation water use.
Slope stabilization and vegetation restoration
On bare slopes, newly excavated roads or railways, mining restoration areas, etc., spraying PAM solution can quickly fix the surface soil, creating favorable conditions for seed germination and plant growth, effectively preventing wind and water erosion before vegetation formation.
Construction sites
Construction sites are the main source of soil erosion in cities. Spraying PAM solution on the exposed surface of construction sites can effectively suppress dust and prevent sediment from flowing with rainwater into municipal pipelines or nearby water bodies.
Wind erosion areas
In arid and semi-arid regions, the soil agglomerates on the treated surface are stable and not easily blown away by the wind, effectively reducing the source material of sandstorms.
III. Advantages of using polyacrylamide
Efficiency:The dosage is very small (usually only a few tens to hundreds of grams per acre), and the effect is significant.
Environmental friendliness:PAM itself is non-toxic. It will slowly degrade in the environment into carbon dioxide, water, and ammonium salts. Anionic PAM used for soil improvement is considered environmentally friendly.
Economy:Although the unit price is high, due to the small dosage and the significant reduction in losses caused by soil erosion (such as nutrient loss, cost of clearing channels and sediment accumulation, etc.), the overall benefit is very high.
Multifunctionality:It not only prevents erosion but also retains water, retains nutrients, improves soil structure, and increases crop yield.
IV. Precautions and limitations
Type selection is crucial:It must be an anionic polyacrylamide. Cationic and nonionic PAM may be toxic to soil organisms and plants and are not suitable for soil improvement.
Correct application method:PAM needs to be fully dissolved before it can take effect. It is usually prepared as a dilute solution for spraying or irrigation with water. Dry application has poor effect.
Not a universal remedy:PAM mainly addresses the stability of the surface soil. For deep landslides and gravitational erosion, PAM is powerless. It usually needs to be combined with traditional engineering measures (such as terraces and retaining walls) and biological measures (such as planting trees and grass) to achieve the best long-term effect.
Sensitive to water quality:The salinity (ion strength) of water can affect the extension of PAM molecular chains and its flocculation effect. In water with high salt content, the effect may be reduced. Summary
Secco Polyacrylamideis an efficient, economical and environmentally friendly tool for controlling soil erosion. It enhances the soil’s resistance to erosion physically through mechanisms such as “bonding” soil particles, stabilizing the structure, and promoting water infiltration. Although it cannot replace all traditional soil and water conservation measures, as an innovative auxiliary means, it plays an irreplaceable and significant role in agriculture, engineering construction, ecological restoration and other fields, and is one of the key technologies for achieving sustainable land management and protection.
