Nebraska Pathologist Urged Fall Soil Sampling

Farmers are advised to test fields for soybean cyst nematode to manage yield losses.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Botany

A metallic soil sampling tool placed next to a clod of earth in a harvested farm field in rural Nebraska. — University of Nebraska-Lincoln experts are urging farmers to perform fall soil testing for soybean cyst nematode to prevent significant yield losses. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Is now a good time for farmers to prioritize soil testing to mitigate potential yield losses?

A plant pathologist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has encouraged farmers to conduct soil sampling for soybean cyst nematode this fall. The parasite often acts as a contributor to crop infections like Sudden Death Syndrome.

Why it matters

Active soil sampling helps growers identify hidden parasite populations that compromise yield. Proactive management allows farmers to address these threats before they escalate into larger financial losses.

The SCN Coalition estimates that soybean cyst nematode costs U.S. farmers $1.5 billion annually. This parasite is known to correlate with the presence of Sudden Death Syndrome in soybean roots.

The players

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

This public research university serves as the primary land-grant institution for the state of Nebraska.

The SCN Coalition

This organization leads national efforts to educate farmers on the management of soybean cyst nematode.

The details

Farmers are encouraged to utilize harvest yield maps to pinpoint both productive and low-yield sections of their fields for soil testing. Identifying these nematodes is critical as Red Crown Rot continues to spread throughout the Midwest.

Fall 2026 is the recommended period for identifying soybean cyst nematode.
October 2026 marks SCN Action Month.

The Big Picture

The call for soil sampling follows the pattern set by the SCN Coalition's annual SCN Action Month. This focused awareness campaign highlights the ongoing struggle to control parasites as Red Crown Rot spreads across the Midwest.

Early detection of soybean cyst nematode allows for precise treatment decisions that protect future harvest yields. Implementing these testing routines helps minimize the impact of associated diseases like Sudden Death Syndrome on local bottom lines.

The takeaway

Growers should treat soil sampling as a standard component of their post-harvest field analysis to mitigate long-term economic damage. Identifying nematode hotspots now provides the necessary data to inform planting and management strategies for the next growing season.