A naturally occurring polymer found in wood that acts like glue.

During the pulping process, lignin is separated from the wood and undergoes an extensive process and eventually becomes an ammonium or sodium based lignosulfonate.

Lignosulfonate works by binding the road surface particles together. Water evaporates from the lignin as it dries, and the dust particles are trapped by the high-viscosity, naturally sticky material. In addition, over time the lignin becomes completely insoluble due to solar heating.

Lignosulfonate can be used on the following surfaces

Cities, counties and haul roads
Feed lots
Construction areas
Tree/Flowers/Nurseries
Orchards
Forest/timber haul roads

Recommendation

In preparation for applying lignosulfonate as a dust suppressant, roads should first be re-crowned with a grader. Pre-wetting the road is recommended for best results. Lignin can also be applied without pre-wetting if water is not accessible, although results will vary depending on moisture content of the road base. Application rates for a topical application are 0.3-0.5 gallons per square yard.