Because SCN is the most damaging pathogen in U.S. soybeans – costing farmers more than $1 billion annually in lost yields – farmers who didn’t have time to pull soil samples for soybean cyst nematode (SCN) last fall have another opportunity this spring.
Knowing their SCN numbers helps farmers determine the appropriate management strategies to implement based on real data from their own fields.
The SCN Coalition is excited about the discovery and encourages farmers and industry stakeholders to continue to advocate for new tools like this.
Spring soil sampling tips
Experts recommend waiting until the soil warms up and taking soil cores when fields aren’t muddy. Take 20 cores from every 20 acres or so collected from the upper 8 inches of soil.
As for where to put the probe, there are three approaches to soil sampling:
- Zigzag through each 20-acre parcel.
- Collect soil cores from high-risk areas, such as high-pH spots, low spots, near fence lines and other areas where soil from other fields may have been introduced.
- Pull samples from logical areas or management zones in the field.
Several state soybean checkoff organizations offer free SCN testing, so check with yours. As for where to send the samples, a list of public and private testing laboratories that offer SCN testing is available at thescncoalition.com.
Put SCN soil test results into action
Once you have soil test results, you can use The SCN Coalition’s SCN Profit Checker calculator to estimate how SCN is impacting yields and profits.
To use SCN Profit Checker, a farmer, agronomist or crop advisor provides the state name and the following field-specific information:
- SCN egg count
- SCN female index on PI 88788
- Sand content of the soil
- Soil pH
Implementing active SCN management strategies will help limit SCN population growth and new infestations, helping to protect future crops. Learn more about evaluating SCN soil test results to create a successful active SCN management plan..
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About The SCN Coalition
The SCN Coalition is a public/checkoff/private partnership formed to increase the number of farmers who are actively managing SCN. Our goal is to increase soybean farmers’ profit potential and realize higher yields. Partners in The SCN Coalition include university scientists from 28 states and Ontario, grower checkoff organizations, including the North Central Soybean Research Program, United Soybean Board and several state soybean promotion boards, and corporate partners including BASF, Bayer, Growmark, Nufarm, Pioneer (Corteva), Syngenta, UPL Ltd., Valent and Winfield United.
©2024. The SCN Coalition. All Rights Reserved. www.TheSCNCoalition.com.
