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One of the most widely known nematodes to affect crops is the Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN). This nematode is very infectious to soybean crops and has big impacts on crop yields. The geographic range of SCN covers much of the Midwest and southeastern states. Along with protecting crop yields, mitigating potential spread of the species is another reason it is important keep SCN levels in check.
When to sample Soybean Cyst Nematode
When it comes to determining the best time to sample for SCN, there is of course no perfect answer. Like anything else in agriculture, factors such as location, season, and climate can have a great influence on nematode numbers. The most accurate numbers are of course going to come from samples taken in season from the soybean root zone. However, taking samples in the spring before a soybean crop can help get ahead of potential SCN threat. Sampling in the fall in a non-host crop, or in soybean stubble can also be good opportunities. Again, these guidelines can be dependent on many variables, and if the soil is not too wet or frozen sampling at any time is better than not sampling at all.
How to sample Soybean Cyst Nematode
When sampling for Soybean Cyst Nematode, take 15 to 20, 1-inch-diameter core samples at a depth of eight inches for every twenty acres. Then, mix the cores and use the mixed soil as the sample. Send the sample and request the SCN test. When preparing samples for submission, more information is always useful for the lab. Information such as the current crop type and zip code for where your samples were taken are important to provide. This information helps the lab give you a better idea of how your results compare to expected nematode levels. During the time from the field to the lab, it is important that the sample is kept cool.
There are two ways to sample for SCN. The first would be to collect the soil cores in a zig-zag pattern across rows in each 20-acre section. Alternatively, samples can be collected based on management zones. When sampling management zones, still maintain a pattern that accounts for the entire section is key to a representative sample.
Sampling suspect areas
If samples are being collected from an area where SCN presence is suspected, take samples along the perimeter of the troublesome area. In the case of nematode infestation, the perimeter of the hotspot is most likely to have the highest nematode numbers. For comparison, separate samples can be taken from areas that are not experiencing issues. Samples taken from the center of the troubled area can also be used for comparison.
Sampling for prevention
An additional sampling method which can be useful, especially when sampling as a preventative measure for the future, is to test in high-risk areas of the field where SCN might first appear. Examples of these areas would be previously flooded areas, low spots, high pH areas, common field entry and exit points, near buildings, equipment, or storage areas, along fence lines, and in areas where yields are consistently low.
Soybean Cyst Nematode can have a significant impact on soybean yields. Luckily, there are management tools and resources which can be used to help deal with an infestation and avoid future infestation. Sample testing labs, universities and extensions, and groups like the SCN Coalition are here to help and provide insight and guide materials.
