Site-specific Application as Easy as 1-2-3-4

Site-specific application may seem like a daunting task at first, but in reality it is relatively simple. Outlined below are the four steps needed to prepare a field for site-specific application with Telone^® soil fumigants.

1. Utilize EC technologies. Soil electrical conductivity (EC) mapping equipment, such as a Veris EC mapping system, appear to be small carts, but they can do big things. While being pulled through the field, an EC machine measures the apparent soil EC, thus determining the level and soil texture variability in any given spot in the field.
   
   Sensors on the machine are placed 6 to 8 inches deep into the soil and note the soil texture as the cart is pulled through the field. Areas with high EC levels signify heavier soils and areas with low EC levels indicate lighter soils, where problems with root-knot nematodes generally occur.
   
   
2. Break field into zones. Once the EC data is collected with the Veris machine, the field is broken into zones based on the EC levels. The quantity of zones vary based on the field but should range from lower to higher levels. By breaking the field into zones, it is easier to combine similar types of soils into one zone so they can receive similar levels of treatment.
   
   The photo below shows the soil electrical conductivity (EC) of a field measured by a Veris machine. The zones shift from sandy soils (light red) to heavier soils (dark red). The field is broken into zones based on EC levels.
   
   
   
   
3. Take soil samples. It's important to take soil samples to confirm the presence of nematodes based on the information gathered from the Veris machine. Particular attention should be paid to lighter-textured soils, which are prone to root-knot nematodes.
   
   
4. Create treatment maps. GPS coordinates are used to build treatment maps in the field based on the EC levels in the soil. The treatment maps provide growers with a more accurate method of managing fields by knowing exactly where and how much Telone needs to be applied. The system should be tweaked before the second year, but 90-plus percent of the map will be effective the following year.
   
   The photo below shows where Telone will be applied in the same field above. Areas in red are low EC zones, where sandy soils and root-knot nematodes can be found, and will receive treatment. Areas in green are high EC zones, where heavier soils are found.
   
   

For assistance breaking fields into zones and creating treatment maps, contact your local Telone specialist or locate your local Helena Chemical retailer.

University cooperators from the University of Arkansas, Clemson University, the University of Georgia and Louisiana State University can also provide assistance.