Using Electrical Conductivity to Determine Nematode Management Zones In Alluvial Soils of the Mid-South

Electrical conductivity (ECa) has been shown to be a good substitute for soil texture in the alluvial soils found in Louisiana. Most of the cotton production in this state is found in parishes along the Mississippi River or in nearby parishes. We have been looking at using ECa for several years to aid in nematode management. Damage from the Southern root-knot nematode has typically occurred in soils that have ECa readings of less than 25 mS/m. The reniform nematode has been found to cause damage in soils that have ECa reading of as high as 75 mS/m. Although the information obtained from ECa may be field specific, at least some generalities can be made relative to damage potential by nematodes in various soil zones within a field. The use of verification strips still remains the best method to determine nematicide responses within a field. This paper will discuss some of the past research with ECa as well as work conducted during 2010.