Using Verification Strips to Delineate Treatment Zones

Using Verification Strips to Delineate Treatment Zones

Site-specific management strategies can aid in the management of root-knot and reniform nematodes which cause significant damage to cotton.  Root-knot nematodes are confined to sandier soils while reniform nematodes can live in soils with higher clay content.  Location in the field and the species of nematode present can be obtained from a routine soil sample.  Crop rotation with corn for one to two years can help lower reniform nematode populations to manageable levels, but in the case of root-knot nematodes, corn serves as a host crop.  Determining the areas of a field where economic returns can be gained from using nematicides is a more complicated process.  A multi-state working group has determined that evaluation of fumigation treatments applied as strips across the different soil zones in a field combined with yield monitor data can help differentiate the potential nematicide treatment zones for a field.  The use of strip tests and precision agriculture methodology to make site-specific applications of nematicides has proven to show yield gains and economic returns to producers.