Saturated hydraulic conductivity and soil penetration resistance affected by some water soluble polymers

Increase of sand particle stability and water holding capacity induced by synthesized polymers has been used to improve soil physical properties and wind erosion control. The effect of three water soluble polymers including Karacoat NA58, Acrylic resin EXP174 and polyvinyl acetate, 2 concentration levels of polymers (1 and 6% dry weight) and 2 soil textures (sandy and loamy sand) on saturated hydraulic conductivity and the resistance to penetration of soils were studied. Polymer treatments were injected to soil samples. Results showed that decrease of hydraulic conductivity in loamy sand samples was higher (P<0.01) than sandy soils and decreased 64% compared to the control. Mean hydraulic conductivity (15.4 cm/h) for polyvinyl acetate treatment was lower (P<0.01) than other two acrylic polymers (Karacoat NA58 with the mean of 24 cm/h and Acrylic resin EXP174 with the mean of 25.3 cm/h). Increase of soil penetration resistance in loamy sand treatments was significantly higher than sandy soils (P<0.05), but no significant effect was found for polymer treatments. Both hydraulic conductivity decrease and penetration resistance increase were significantly affected (P<0.01) by 6% concentration level of all polymers used. The maximum polymer penetration (crust thickness) was investigated (70 mm) in sandy soil treated by Karacoat NA58 polymer with 6% concentration. According to the results application of polymer is recommended for sand stabilization and plant growth improvement in desert regions.