Fall soil testing helps farmers detect damaging soybean nematodes
As soybean harvest approaches, experts are encouraging farmers to take advantage of a key opportunity to protect future yields by testing their fields for plant-parasitic nematodes. These microscopic pests can reduce soybean production significantly, often without visible symptoms.
The Soybean Nematode Management Guides provide farmers with practical, research-based information to identify and manage several important nematode species that affect soybean crops. The guides were developed by university researchers and supported through soybean checkoff investments.
"Protecting soybean yield starts with knowing what's in your fields, and these guides put that knowledge directly in farmers' hands," said Laurie Isley, United Soybean Board director and Michigan farmer. "As a farmer, I know how much an invisible pest like SCN can cost you before you ever see a symptom above ground. This is exactly the kind of practical, science-based tool your checkoff investment is meant to deliver."
The resources focus on four major soybean pests: soybean cyst nematode (SCN), root-knot nematode (RKN), root lesion nematode (RLN), and reniform nematode. Each species has different characteristics and can impact crops in unique ways. SCN remains the most damaging soybean pathogen in North America and can reduce yields by up to 30% without obvious signs in the field.
Research shows that many farmers are familiar with SCN and RKN, but awareness of RLN and reniform nematodes remains lower. Survey results also indicate that many growers continue to rely on visible crop symptoms, even though nematode damage often goes undetected until yield losses occur.
"Thanks to efforts from The SCN Coalition, soybean farmers have been exposed to active SCN management messages, but nematode pressure doesn't stop there," said Dylan Mangel, plant pathologist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
He added, "Addressing these lesser-known and still damaging nematode species helps farmers close information gaps and take a more comprehensive approach to protect yield from nematodes. It's also an opportunity for the Coalition to expand its reach and impact."
The management guides encourage farmers to soil test after harvest, identify the nematode species present, and develop management plans tailored to their fields. Recommended practices include planting resistant soybean varieties, rotating crops, using seed treatments, and adopting cultural practices that support healthy root systems.
"An integrated approach using multiple active management strategies can keep nematode populations low and protect soybean yield," said Horacio Lopez-Nicora, soybean pathologist and nematologist at The Ohio State University. "By adopting a proactive, informed management plan and using the practices found in these management guides, farmers can reduce plant-parasitic nematode pressure and help protect soybean yield and overall crop productivity."
Experts stress that nematodes cannot be completely eliminated from infested fields. However, integrated management strategies can help keep populations at lower levels and reduce their impact on crop productivity.
By combining soil testing with proactive management, soybean farmers can make informed decisions that help safeguard yield potential and improve long-term field performance. The guides are available online and offer step-by-step support for farmers and crop advisors looking to better manage soybean pests.
Visit https://www.thescncoalition.com/field-guides/ to access the Soybean Nematode Management Guides.
Photo Credit: istock-oticki