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Nematode and Fertility Sampling
Nematode and fertility sampling is an important part of monitoring tobacco. Many people take nematode and soil samples at the same time; however, it is better to take samples separately. Nematode samples should be taken in late July or August when nematode populations are at a peak and the crop is still in the field. Populations decrease greatly after harvest, which lessens the possibility these pests will be found at damaging levels. A soil sampling tube should be used to collect soil cores. Insert the tube at a slight angle under plants so that it cuts through the root zone. This ensures the core will contain soil and roots. Collect 10 cores per 5 acres; this will constitute one sample. After all samples are taken, thoroughly mix the soil before taking a 1 quart sample. Ship the sample(s) and completed nematode assay information sheet to: Agronomic Division, Nematode Advisory Section, North Carolina Department of Agriculture, Raleigh, NC 27611. Contact your county Extension agent for help.
To be identified properly, nematodes must arrive at the lab alive. Thus nematode samples must be protected from extreme temperatures and should not be stored for longer than two days. Store samples in a cool storage room or in a refrigerator until ready for shipment.
The best fertility samples are obtained after the crop has been harvested and, preferably, after the field has been lightly dished. A soil probe should be used and samples taken apt proximately 8 to 10 inches deep. Fertility sampling is done the same way as nematode sampling. A sample consists of 10 cores, and one sample should be taken per 5 acres. The samples should be thoroughly mixed, and a portion of the mixed soil sent to the soil analysis lab.
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