News

Fall a good time to test for SCN

A nematology researcher says autumn is a good time to test for soybean cyst nematode (SCN).

Greg Tylka with Iowa State University tells Brownfield an SCN test in the fall provides information on this year’s crop, as well as data to consider when planning for next year.

“Fall is a perfect time to sample both fields that had soybeans grown in it this year, and also fields that had corn grown in it this year that will have soybeans next year.”

He says the SCN testing process resembles soil fertility sampling.

“We’d like the farmers or agronomists who are sampling for the farmers to use a soil probe, typically that’s a 1″ diameter tube.  We’d like soil cores to a total depth of 6 to 8″ deep.  And we’d like cores collected kind of in a zig-zag pattern.”

Tylka recommends up to soil 20 cores for each sampling area.

He says most SCN tests cost about one dollar per-acre and calls it a small price to pay considering the yield loss potential of $10 to $20 dollars per-bushel.