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The Effect of Synthetic Conditioners on Some Phases of Soil Structure and Erodibility by Wind
Author(s) -
Chepil W. S.
Publication year - 1954
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1954.03615995001800040009x
Subject(s) - soil crust , soil water , environmental science , water erosion , erosion , aeolian processes , soil science , geology , geomorphology
Beginning in 1951, a series of experiments was initiated on several soils for the primary purpose of determining the value of VAMA (a modified vinyl acetate maleic acid compound), and HPAN (a hydrolized polyacrylonitrile), for controlling erosion of soil by wind. VAMA increased substantially the proportion of water‐stable aggregates in all soils tested and decreased the proportion of fine water‐dispersible particles < 0.02 mm. in diameter. From this standpoint VAMA may be considered a very effective soil aggregating agent. However, the great majority of the water‐stable aggregates formed by VAMA were of the size erodible by wind. VAMA applied to the surface of the ground, or mixed with the soil, generally increased the crodibility by wind. The soils treated with VAMA were loose and friable and had a granular surface. The untreated soils were more or less cemented together and had a distinctly developed surface crust. The crust was resistant to wind erosion despite its unfavorable characteristics otherwise. VAMA was beneficial for producing good soil tilth and for increasing soil permeability. Both of these characteristics tend to reduce erosion by water and increase crop yields. VAMA was incorporated into the soil more conveniently as dust than as spray. HPAN applied on top of the ground was ineffective in controlling erosion of soil by wind as early as one week after the application. Erosion, in fact, was increased in some cases due to the application of HPAN.