Soybean Cyst Nematode and Soil pH Interactions

Researchers have observed for several years that high populations of SCN are often associated with high-pH soil. Although the nature of this relationship is not known, it is likely that current management recommendations for SCN need to be optimized for soil pH. Many fields in Iowa have soil pH above 7.0 and growers are struggling to get more than 40 bu/acre despite using SCN-resistant varieties.

The goal of this research project was to develop pH-specific management recommendations for farmers in Iowa to increase their soybean yield in high-pH, SCN-infested fields. Novel strategies that include the use of SCN-resistant varieties were tested in collaboration with Dr. Greg Tylka, Professor and Extension Nematologist at Iowa State University.

This study was funded by the Iowa Soybean Association, Bayer CropScience, and AMVAC.

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