Compositions, admixtures and methods for resisting erosion such as by wind and/or water are provided. The compositions comprise an emulsion, dispersion or suspension of a hydrophilic polymer. In preferred embodiments, the polymer comprises branched anionic polyacrylamide. The composition may be combined with water and optionally a matrix material, to form an admixture that is applied to the soil or other material needing erosion resistance. The matrix material preferably comprises cellulose and/or mulch. The methods comprise providing or forming an aqueous mixture of the compositions and applying them to an area of land or material sought to be provided with erosion resistance.