Influence of in situ two-phase polymers on aggregate stabilization in various textured North Dakota soils

• Published in: Canadian journal of soil science 1987-02, Vol.67 (1), p.209-213
• Main Authors: Richardson, J.L, Gunnerson, W.T, Giles, J.F
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Biological and medical sciences; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General agronomy. Plant production; microaggregates; Other nutrients. Amendments. Solid and liquid wastes. Sludges and slurries; polymers; soil stabilization; soil texture; Soil-plant relationships. Soil fertility. Fertilization. Amendments
• ISSN: 0008-4271; 1918-1841
• DOI: 10.4141/cjss87-019

Two-phase in situ condensation polymers formed from amine and aldehyde monomers were tested on three differing soil textures for aggregating effectiveness and were compared to polyvinyl alcohol treated soils. The amine and aldehyde monomers differed in functionality (number of amines or carbonyl groups participating in the cross-linking polymerization reaction), molecular structure (branched versus straight chains and the number of polar structural groups) and molecular weight. Straight-chained molecules were more effective in aggregating soil than branched-chain molecules if a certain critical molecular weight was exceeded. The branched-chained and lower molecular weight molecules were less plastic. The number of polar monomer structural groups, notably ether, alcohol and amide oxygen, capable of bonding to clay particles determined aggregation effectiveness. PVA was effective at 0.1% concentration; two-phase polymers with long straight chains were effective at 5.0% by weight. Key words: Microaggregates, macroaggregates, amine, aldehyde, polyvinyl alcohol