Collecting and Submitting a Soil Sample
for Nematode Analysis

Most nematodes are detected through soil samples which should be taken between May and October when soil temperatures are at least 50 degrees F at a six inch depth. Do not sample very wet or very dry soils. Using a 1" diameter soil soil sampling tube, trowel or shovel, take at least 20 samples at a six inch depth from each sampling area. Mix the samples in a bucket and place one quart of soil in a plastic bag. If plants are growing in the area, dig feeder roots to include in the sample. Complete a Nematode Analysis Form, being sure to include information on the cropping history and future plans. NEVER ALLOW THE SAMPLE TO BECOME DRY OR HOT.


Learn How to Conduct a Preliminary Check for Soybean Cyst Nematodes

What type of crop are you sampling ?

Preliminary Check for Soybean Cyst Nematode

Checking for Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) is not that hard, but it should be done
between late June to mid-August while soybeans are in the ground.
  1. Potential hot spots for SCN include:
    • Along fence lines
    • Previously flooded areas
    • Field entryways
    • Consistently low-yielding areas
    • Low spots
    • Areas with land history of soybean production
  2. Then, with a shovel or hand trowel:
    • Carefully dig (do not pull) up a soybean plant
    • Gently remove soil from the roots
    • Adult females are a tiny white/cream color and are much smaller than nitrogen nodules
    • If SCN females are present or you still suspect SCN, take a soil sample, print and fill out a nematode analysis form and send to the following address








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How to Collect a Soil Sample for Soybean Cyst Nematode Analysis

Soil sampling is easy if you follow these steps:
  1. Use a soil probe to collect samples (6-8 inches in depth)
  2. Using a zig-zag pattern, collect 10-20 soil cores per every 10 - 20 acres
  3. Collect cores from areas of similar soil type and crop history
  4. Dump cores from each 10 to 20 acre set into a bucket and mix thoroughly
  5. Place 2 pints (4 cups) of mixed soil in a soil sampling bag and label with a permanent marker
  6. Store in a cool, dark place until shipped
  7. Print and Fill out the Nematode Sample Form
  8. Ship to the following address.

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Use the following steps for a Pre-Plant Field or Turf Area:

If the soil is uniform and the field or turf is 4 acres or less in size, one 20-core sample will suffice. Use the sampling pattern illustrated. If the field is larger, divide the field into 4-acre blocks and take 20 core samples from each block. For each bagged soil sample, print and fill out a sample form and send all of the samples to the following address.
  1. In each field, take a sample from each area with a common cropping history.
  2. If the soil in the area is variable, take a sample from each soil type area.
  3. If the field is very hilly, collect seperate samples from high and low areas of the field.
  4. Turf samples should be taken from the top 3 to 4 inches of soil and should include only one grass type.
    * Do not mix fairway and greens samples.
    * Do not sample from entirely dead turf.
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Use the following steps for sampling an Established Crop:

  1. Sample each plant species seperately and indicate plant species on the soil sample bag.
  2. Collect soil in the pattern indicated below for the type of crop or sample.
  3. Include samples of feeder roots. These feeder roots will be found at varying depths and distances from the trunk or main stem of the plants.
  4. Feeder roots should be dug carefully with a shovel, post-hole digger, or similar tool.
  5. Soil samples should be taken from the same areas in which the sampled roots were growing.
  6. For each bagged soil sample, print and fill out a sample form and send all of the samples to the following address.

Vineyard

Orchard or Tree

Row Crop
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