Abstract
The objective of the study was to observe the effects of polyacrylamide (PAM) additions on seed germination, nematode populations, and some soil physical properties. A month-long greenhouse study was undertaken using 0.2% PAM in a coarse-silty, carbonade, mesic Typic Heploxeroll seeded with Bromus tectorum. Seedling emergence and plant biomass were monitored directly. Nematode densities, bulk density, and penetrometer resistance were measured in conventional ways. Soil water loss was measured gravimetrically. Soil cracking was described by photographic means. No significance was detected between treatments and controls in respect to seedling emergence, biomass, and water loss. However, significantly greater penetrometer resistance was observed following the PAM treatments. Greater nematode densities occurred in the controls, as did soil cracking. PAM may, because of soil binding characteristics, restrict nematode activity directly or indirectly through other microflora and fauna they would feed upon. Much more investigation of the effects of PAM on soil biotic components is suggested.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 77-81 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Arid Soil Research and Rehabilitation |
| Volume | 5 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jan 1991 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:The senior author's travel to and stay at Utah State University, where this research was conducted, was supported by the S. J. and Jessie E. Quinney Foundation. We also thank Gerald D. Griffin of the Forage and Range Research Lab, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Logan, Utah, for access to laboratory facilities.
Keywords
- Nematodes
- Penetrometer
- Polyacrylamide
- Resistance
- Soil conditioners
- Soil cracking