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We describe six aqueous formulations prepared from anionic HYPAN, an acrylic acid/acrylamide copolymer, and cationic poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) for stabilization of loamy sandy soil and quartz sand. The formulations were deposited on the surface of soil and sand that after drying resulted in the formation of protective polymer–soil and polymer–sand coatings. Most formulations gave mechanically stable coatings with a strength of 100–200 kg cm−2 and sustained a storm wind of 76 km h−1. A non‐stoichiometric HYPAN–PDADMAC polycomplex with a 10‐fold excess of anionic HYPAN units formed the water resistant coatings, which retained 99% soil and 90% sand. These characteristics were superior to those for coatings made from a conventional binder polyacrylamide. Additionally, the coating from soil and 'anionic' non‐stoichiometric interpolyelectrolyte complex increased the total amount of stored water and lengthened the time of water release. Anionic polymer formulations did not exhibit antimicrobial action against bacteria and yeast in both solutions and films. Cationic polymer formulations manifested strong antimicrobial action against bacteria and yeast in solutions, and suppressed the growth of Gram‐positive bacteria and yeast in films. Taking into account the commercial availability of the initial polymers and a simple procedure for polycomplex preparation, there is great potential for anionic polymer formulations as anti‐erosion binders and soil conditioners. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]