Net and Tension infiltration effects of PAM in furrow irrigation

The history and fundamental aspects of polyacrylamide (PAM)-use in furrow irrigation water has been covered in depth in several publications (Barvenik, 1994; Lentz et al., 1992; Lentz and Sojka, 1994a; Lentz, 1995; Lentz and Sojka, 1996; Sojka and Lentz, 1996; Sojka and Lentz, 1997). In agriculture, the two greatest benefits associated with this practice are the near elimination of furrow erosion and substantial increases in infiltration compared to untreated water. The large erosion reduction has both on-site and downstream economic and environmental benefits (Agassi et al., 1995 ; Bahr et al., 1996; Bahr and Steiber, 1996; Lentz et al., 1992; Lentz, 1995; Lentz and Sojka, 1996; McCutchan eta!., 1993; Singh et al., 1996; Sojka and Lentz, 1993; Sojka and Lentz, 19946; Sojka et al., 1995; Sojka and Lentz, 1997). Infiltration effects are a substantial aspect of these benefits, but have been less thoroughly considered in data reported to date