By Scout Nelson
As the 2024 harvest season progresses, the Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) is partnering with Nebraska Extension to offer free soil testing for soybean cyst nematode (SCN). This service, funded by NSB, helps farmers detect SCN, a major yield-limiting pest that costs U.S. soybean producers approximately $1.5 billion in lost yields each year. SCN can lead to up to 30% yield loss without showing visible symptoms.
“Even if you don’t see SCN in your field, it may still be causing yield losses,” said an extension plant pathologist. Testing soil is the only reliable way to determine if fields are infested, especially in years with sufficient rainfall where symptoms may be less obvious.
October is SCN Action Month, the ideal time for farmers to test their fields, as SCN levels are highest post-harvest. Farmers can request free sample bags from local extension offices or online. Once they receive the bags, they can follow simple steps to collect soil samples:
To collect samples, use a 1-inch diameter soil probe to gather 15-20 soil cores in a zigzag pattern across 10-20 acres. Samples should be taken from the root zone, 6-8 inches deep, and combined in a bucket. Then, place at least 2 cups of the composite soil into a sealable plastic bag.
Farmers should target high-risk areas such as spots with low yields or poor growth. Samples can be submitted to the UNL Plant & Pest Diagnostic Clinic for testing. Farmers need to include their contact details, field information, crop history, and this year’s crop.
Once SCN is detected, proactive management is key. Farmers are advised to rotate crops, use resistant varieties, and consider nematode-protectant seed treatments. Testing remains the most crucial step in SCN management.
Photo Credit:nebraska-corn-board
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Soybeans, General