High sediment loads from agriculture and construction sites are the major source of surface water impairment in Puerto Rico. The use of anionic polyacrylamide polymers is quickly gaining recognition as a cost-effective short-term erosion control strategy. In this study we evaluated the effectiveness of different dosages and formulations of PAM in a highly weathered soil (Corozal clay, Typic Hapludults) of the tropics under steep slopes (20%) conditions. A series of indoor box experiments were conducted according to guidelines of the National Research Project for Simulated Rainfall. Three formulations of PAM, namely: (SOILFLOCTM 300 E, SOILFIXTM LCD, and a synthetic formulation from Aldrich Chemical Company) were evaluated at the following rates: 0 (control), 20 kg ha^-1, 80 kg ha^-1, and 120 kg ha^-1. A series of simulated rainfall (7 cm h^-1) experiments were conducted at: 24 hours, 2 days, 8 days, 1 month, and 2 months after polymer application. At their highest rates, all PAM products reduced sediment production by > than 75% relative to the control in all events. There were no significant differences in sediment production control between the two highest PAM rates (80 kg ha^-1 and 120 kg ha^-1) evaluated. A month after PAM application sediment production was 1,272 kg ha^-1 in the control treatment vs. 285, 70, and 100 kg ha^-1 at the 120 kg ha^-1 rate of SoilFloc, SoilFix, and Aldrich PAM respectively. A field experiment was established on experimental plots (18.6 m²) to evaluate PAM effectiveness and persistence under natural rainfall and complete sunlight exposure conditions. Results will be discussed.