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Crop management practices regulate soybean cyst nematode population dynamics over soil health

Applied Research

Ambria Small
Ohio State University
Urbana

Abstract

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is the most economically impactful, yield-limiting soybean pathogen in North America. While its relationship with soil texture is well-documented, less is known about how soil health and management practices influence SCN population dynamics. This study evaluated SCN reproductive factor (RF) in relation to: 1) soil texture and its interaction with management, 2) key soil physicochemical properties and seasonal changes (Δ), and 3) predictive performance of individual soil properties versus CASH soil health indices. In 2023 and 2024, soil samples from 185 Ohio fields were collected twice: spring (initial) and fall (final). Hierarchical modeling and zero-inflated negative binomial regression elucidated soil texture and management interactions. ZINB and linear regression on log-transformed RF tested predictive capability of CASH scores. Soil texture explained minimal variance in RF, while crop rotation was the dominant management factor, reducing RF by 79% in non-host crops. Modeling revealed seven significant predictors of SCN RF: Dynamics (Δ) of POxC, pH, and macroaggregates; Spring measurements of potassium, pH, POxC; and presence of non-host crop. Individual soil property analysis explained 2.8 times more variance than CASH indices, confirming that composite scores dilute strong signals from SCN-relevant biological properties. The primary influential properties highlight that management is key to the SCN management strategy. Crop rotation, diversified genetics, and continued SCN monitoring are crucial for balancing soil health objectives with pathogen suppression in grain production systems.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Ambria Small, Sandip Mondal, Horacio Lopez-Nicora
  1. Small, A. M.S., Ohio State University, Ohio, 43078
  2. Mondal, S. Postdoctoral Research Associate, Michigan State University, Michigan, 49060
  3. Lopez-Nicora, H. Assistant Professor, Ohio State University, Ohio, 43210