Abstract: The invention relates to a method of aggregating sands to an appreciable depth so that they can be used, inter alia, for runways, roadways and the like, the method comprising applying a polymer emulsion to a body of sand in a large volume of water containing a stabilizer which ensures distribution of the polymer throughout a substantial depth and prevention of migration of the polymer as the water evaporates, thereby forming bonds between adjacent sand particles, and allowing the sand to dry.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of treating sand or soil to condition it so as to improve its water retention for the germination of seeds, the method comprising applying to the sand or soil a polymer composition in a sufficient amount to provide from about 0.01 to about 0.5 parts of polymer to 100 parts of sand or soil, the amount being determined to ensure that the individual particles or groups of particles of the sand or soil are rendered non-wetting and that the particles retain the non-wetting properties even when they are not aggregated but are free-flowing.