Field Demonstration of Polyacrylamide in an Unlined Irrigation Canal
Publication: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 139, Issue 5
Abstract
Although polyacrylamide (PAM) use for reducing soil erosion and increasing water retention is common in agriculture, research suggests PAM application may also be effective in reducing seepage in unlined irrigation canals. A polymer application test was conducted on a 457-m-long section of the Bordeaux lateral canal near Wheatland, Wyoming. Flow rating curves were developed by combining discharge and water level data, and the curves were used to convert real-time water level data into real-time discharge data. Falling head permeameters (FHP) provided a spatial method of quantifying seepage. Real-time stage discharge data showed a mean pretreatment flow loss over the entire test reach of , whereas the mean posttreatment loss was (), which corresponds to a 21% increase in seepage. The FHP tests also showed an increase in seepage as a result of PAM treatment. On the basis of the results of this study, it appears that PAM and suspended sediment concentrations were too low during the test to cause significant seepage reduction.
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Published In
Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 139 • Issue 5 • May 2013
Pages: 399 - 404
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 2, 2012
Accepted: Aug 8, 2012
Published online: Aug 20, 2012
Published in print: May 1, 2013
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