Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) continues to be the leading cause of soybean yield loss in North America. BASF Agricultural Solutions and The SCN Coalition have joined forces for the second year to promote SCN Action Month, a monthlong initiative to provide growers with the tools they need to defend against this devastating pest. Nick Tinsley, BASF Technical Field Representative, said SCN is present in most soybean-growing geographies and noted that it?s important to test your soil as soon as possible.
?We?re finding there are still growers who either aren?t aware of SCN or just don?t believe they have it in their field,? Tinsley said. ?Soil testing during the month of October is key to this education. When growers know their numbers, they can make a solid management plan for next year.?
Tinsley added that October is the time to learn if you have SCN in your fields.
?The goal of SCN Action Month is to educate and encourage growers to be proactive when it comes to SCN management,? Tinsley said. ?It?s important for growers to scout their fields for these pests and develop a management strategy to maximize their yield potential.?
According to the SCN Coalition and BASF, testing your soil is vital. Tinsley said learning about SCN during this month can help growers understand how to manage SCN and come up with the best plan to tackle the pests.
?Last year, nematodes were found in 74 percent of the fields we sampled, but if a farmer doesn?t know he or she has SCN and isn?t actively managing it, potential yield can be lost,? Tinsley said. ?It may be 3 or 4 bushels per acre, or it might be 23 to 24 bushels per acre. But you won?t know until you test your soil.?
BASF is giving away free soil test kits and analysis to the first 500 growers to request one by October 31st. For more information on the free soil test kits and SCN Action Month, visit scnactionmonth.com or speak with your local BASF representative.
