Injecting Polyacrylamide Could Help
Published on by Water Network Research, Official research team of The Water Network in Technology
PAM Could Help Water Infiltration andCropYield
Water shooting out the side of a section of flexible irrigation tubing or Polypipe has become a common sight in the Delta region. But if that water is simply racing across the soil surface toward the tail ditch on the other end of the field the results may be disappointing for the person doing the watering.
Irrigation specialists are trying several strategies to help growers make better use of that resource. One of the newest tools being tested in the Delta states is injecting polyacrylamide or PAM into furrow or sprinkler irrigation systems.
"Research at USDA, the University of California at Davis and some of the other universities in the US West have demonstrated that with the use of polyacrylamide you can water less and get the same end results," says Michael Kenty, product specialist with Helena Chemical Co. Kenty spoke at a field day conducted by A&J Planting Co., SNF Holding Co., and Helena near Tunica, Miss.
"One of the things that is lacking from the data that we're trying to do is demonstrate with our customers in the Delta states and with Mississippi State University with Dr. Jason Krutz is if we add to what we do water will our yields go up, will the uniformity of the crop improve, will we reduce the sediment in the water like the flocculation test demonstrated."
Kenty said Helena now has 20 grower trials from Louisiana to the Missouri Bootheel in which PAM is being injected into irrigation water to determine the impact on water infiltration, nutrient runoff and yields.
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