Michigan Technical Note USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service

TOPIC: AGRONOMY #53 Subject: Soil Quality Enhancement for Tree Fruit and Potato Production Using Compost and Pacific Gold Oriental Mustard Cover Crop Date: September 2010

In the fruit and potato industry, the use of fumigants is a common practice to control nematode populations. In 2005 and 2006, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Michigan State University Extension (MSUE), conducted four Agronomy field trials in Northwest Michigan using Pacific Gold Mustard with three co-operators on four fields. Compost and mustard were evaluated as bio- fumigants to control nematodes prior to planting orchards or potatoes. The goal was to increase bacterivore nematode populations, reduce or eliminate the use of chemical fumigants, and improve soil quality.

There were four different treatments on the four fields from planting Pacific Gold Oriental Mustard alone on the seed potato field, to a diverse rotation of various cover crop species with several applications of high quality compost (new cherry orchard). Each field followed a specific cover crop and compost protocol as stated below in the materials and methods section.

One soil quality indicator is the number or “absolute density” of five different types of nematodes. In a high quality soil, the total population of nematodes would range from 200-5000 / acre, with the highest percentage being the desired Bacterivore nematodes. Bacterivore nematodes consume present in the soil, or on the surface of plants and release nitrogen as ammonia, a form readily available to plants. For crop production purposes, a lower percentage of herbivore nematodes would be desirable, for herbivore nematodes feed directly on the roots and often act as vectors for disease.

Historical Review

Soil fumigants are commonly used during the last 30 years for site preparation before seeding potatoes or planting orchard fruit trees to control herbivore nematodes. However, recently there are concerns about the impact of soil fumigation on long term soil quality. Hence, a number of soil quality enhancement practices were developed as alternatives to soil fumigation. A farming systems approach is often used as an alternative. For example, one system uses a combination of cover crops and organic materials as follows: 1/ soil organic matter building properties 2/ short-term biofumingant properties and 3/ long term biological diversity enhancement properties. The objective of this project was to facilitate the use of various alternative systems on three farms in Northwestern Michigan. This was a joint project with USDA NRCS, MSUE and three producers.

Over the past decade a significant number of Michigan growers observed declines in that appear to be linked to poor soil quality. Soil quality can be defined as the ability of a soil to resist degradation and respond to management. The basic concept of soil quality was provided by Doran et al (1994) in Defining Soil Quality for a Sustainable Environment, and enhanced with Methods for Assessing Soil Quality. (Doran and Jones. 1996) Soil Quality issues continue to be of interest to growers and the Agronomy #53 1 NRCS, Michigan TGN 230 09/10 September 2010 scientific communities. Michigan State University published two soil quality extension bulletins for Michigan growers: E-2646, Michigan Field Crop (1998) and E-2704, Michigan Field Crop Pest Ecology and Management (2000). Dr. George W. Bird contributed a chapter in E-2704 explaining the impact of Nematodes on Soil Quality. Dr. Bird and H. Melakeberhan earlier developed a Nematode action threshold table for Michigan apple, cherry and peach production systems in Extension Bulletin E- 2419, Avoidance and Management of Nematode Problems in Tree Fruit Production in Michigan. (1993).

Russel E. Ingham (1995) showed the significance of bacterial and fungal feeding nematodes and other soil fauna in nutrient mineralization. A set of mineralization partitioning coefficients was provided in 1987 by Hunt ET at. Ingham’s work was confirmed by Ferris et al. (1998) and Chen and Ferris (2000). Significant progress was made in the last decade, in assessment and management practices necessary to improve or maintain soil quality. Because nematodes colonize all atrophic levels, nematode structure has become a widely recognized key indicator of soil, water and atmospheric quality. (Bongers, 1990,; Bongers & Bongers, 1999: Bird et al, 2004; Ferris et al, 2004; Nehr, 2001, Yeates et al 1993). In Michigan, Berney and Bird (1998), Bird(2000) and Sanchez et al., (2001 & 2002) successfully used the nematode feeding behavior grid aspects of community structure analysis to differentiate among agricultural management practices and associated productivity and impacts.

Ferris et al. (2001) published a comprehensive model for soil analysis based on the concept of structural and enrichment indices. Sanchez et al. (2003) reported on the relationships among carbon and nitrogen mineralization potentials, nitrate leaching, crop productivity and nematode community structure in Michigan cherry production. A modification of this model was developed at MSU for testing as the basic metric for nematode community structure assessment and classification of soils as four Soil Quality Types (SQT). These are designated as SQT-A (structured, enriched and regenerative);SQT-B, structured, but nutrient deplete; SQT-C (non-structured and nutrient enriched); and SQT-D (non-structured and nutrient depleted). Hence, nematode community structure assessment was used as the soil quality indicator of soil quality change associated with the three farms involved in this field trial. A combination of cover crops that included the use of Pacific Gold Oriental Mustard, which exudes “glucosinolates:” from the roots and high quality compost was used to try and manage nematodes and soil borne diseases without the use of fumigants.

Materials and Methods

The weather during the 2005 growing season was unusually warm and dry, as well as the mid-summer of 2006. The potato field site had a complex soil association, Kalkaska- East Lake sand. Both soils are in the soil family (Sandy, mixed, frigid Typic Haplorthods). These soils tend to be droughty in the Michigan summer time and were irrigated with 1.65 inches of water thru a center pivot sprinkler irrigation system in 2005 to keep the mustard growing.

The three orchard fields were not irrigated. The complex soil associations in the orchards were a Charlevoix, Emmet-Montcalm sandy loam and Emmet-Onaway sandy loam. Charlevoix is a: (Coarse- loamy, mixed frigid Alfic Haplaquaod); Emmet sandy loam is a: (Coarse-loamy, mixed, frigid Alfic Halporthod). Montcalm sandy loam is a: (Sandy, mixed, frigid, Alfic Haplorthod. Onaway sandy loam is a: (Fine-loamy, mixed, frigid, Alfic Haplorthod. Therefore, the growth of the cover crops in the orchards suffered due to a severe drought.

One soil quality indicator is the baseline level of bacterivore and herbivore nematode species present at each field site prior to the four treatments. The before and after treatment results were compared to the nematode action threshold level in MSUE Bulletin E-2914, Avoidance and Management of Nematode Problems in Tree Fruit Production in Michigan. (See the Appendix table 1).

Agronomy #53 2 NRCS, Michigan TGN 230 09/10 September 2010 A complete Nematode Community Structure soil test was pulled to determine the baseline level of the following nematode groups (based on feeding behavior): 1/Bacterivores 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ and 6/Algivores. All Nematode soil samples were sent to Michigan State University Plant Diagnostic Services (MSUPD) Lab to determine specific nematode species present. Fourteen specific nematode species were identified in the nematode samples. The MSUPD Lab determined the number and type of nematodes in each of the six groups. The Nematode Community Structure Test result by group and species from each field was compared to Table 1(see appendix) and if nematode thresholds were reached it was noted in the “results” section for each field.

Site #1 Yuba New Apple Orchard (1year trial) materials and methods

Spring 2005:

This field was scheduled for three consecutive cover crops, two compost applications and six complete nematode Community Structure Soil Tests from May 2005 to September 2006. The field was moldboard plowed and disked on May 11, 2005. Common Oilseed radish was broadcast at 20 lbs/ac and incorporated with a single packer roller (cultipacker) on May 17, 2005. On the same day, 40 lbs/ac of Field pea was drilled after the oil seed radish was sown. A complete soil test was pulled to determine the baseline level of nematode present at planting time.

Summer 2005

Field Peas was 8 inches tall and at green pod stage on July 1, 2005. The Oilseed radish was 12 inches tall. The radish roots were 5 inches long and ¼-1/2 inch in diameter. The field was disked on July 1 and July 5, 2005. A second Nematode Community Structure soil test was sampled on July 12, 2005. Pacific Gold Oriental Mustard at 15 lbs/ac and oats at 1 bushel per acre were sown on August 10, 2005.

Fall 2005

High quality compost at 2 tons/ac was broadcast and tilled into the soil on October 11, 2005. A third Nematode soil test was sampled the next day and Cereal Rye was sown at 2 bushel per acre as a winter cover crop.

Spring 2006

About 1.5 tons/ac of high quality compost was broadcast on the cereal rye cover and disked in late April. The last week of April the orchard was planted to Apple trees. A fourth Nematode soil sample was taken on May 1, 2006.

Summer/fall 2006 A fifth Nematode soil sample was pulled on July 17, 2006 and a sixth and final Nematode soil sample was taken on September 19, 2006.

Results of Yuba Apple Orchard Field Trial

This one year farming system was designed to maintain or increase soil organic matter and improve soil organic matter quality and decrease the risk of root damage caused by nematodes and increase apple tree health, growth and development. The higher soil organic matter levels created by the addition of the oil seed radish, Austrian winter pea, Pacific Gold Mustard, Oats, Cereal rye and two compost applications resulted in: 1/ higher water holding capacity, 2/ increased water infiltration rate 3/ greater microbial 4/lower bulk density 5/ near optimum pH and on this Emmet sandy loam soil. The baseline nematode community structure results sampled on May 17, 2005 indicated the soil nematode population was above the action threshold table in MSU Extension Bulletin E-2419. It appeared that the Pacific Gold Mustard’s Glucosinolate production had a positive effect on the soil biology by reducing the

Agronomy #53 3 NRCS, Michigan TGN 230 09/10 September 2010 herbivore nematode population to a level where chemical fumigation was not necessary. The herbivore nematode population remained low during the 2006 growing season. Although the herbivore nematode population was increasing toward the end of the 2006 growing season, none of the nematodes were above the action threshold level. The results of the Yuba apple orchard nematode community structure tests are summarized in Figures 2-4.

Site #2 Home Cherry Orchard (10 new rows)

Spring 2005:

This field was scheduled for two consecutive cover crops, two compost applications and four complete Nematode Community Structure Soil Tests from May 2005 to September 2006. The field was moldboard plowed and tandem disk harrowed on May 11, 2005. Two complete soil tests were pulled; one to determine the baseline level of nematodes present at planting time and the other the soil nutrient level. The field was disked in early June and Pacific Gold Oriental Mustard was drilled at 18 lbs/ac on June 13, 2005. Summer 2005

The PGO Mustard was 3-4 inches tall and the roots 1/8 inch diameter on July 6, 2005. A second Nematode Community Structure soil test was sampled on July 17, 2005. Alfalfa was drilled at 10 lbs/ac on August 15, 2005. .

Spring 2006

A third Nematode soil sample was taken on May 1, 2006.

Summer 2006 A fourth Nematode soil sample was pulled on July 17, 2006 and 2 ton of high quality compost was spread at the orchard site. Alfalfa and compost were plowed down and tilled with a disk harrow then Pacific Gold Mustard was broadcast and cultipack planted at 15 lbs/ac. on August 10, 2006.

Fall 2006

A final nematode community structure soil test was sampled on September 19, 2006. The results indicated there was an average of 3 dagger nematodes (above the action threshold of 1) compared to 39 dagger nematodes in the first test sampled in May 2005. The field was moldboard plowed on October 1, 2006. The Pacific Gold Mustard was not very tall, but there was an acceptable stand when tilled. Based on the fourth Nematode Community Structure test results the farmer decided to fumigate every other row of the field beginning with the first row on the east side.

Spring 2007

One ton/ac of high quality compost was applied and the site was planted to tart cherry trees.

Fall 2009

Every fifth three year old cherry tree in all ten rows (a twenty percent sample) was measured for diameter at 25 cm above the soil line. Trees were planted in N-S rows with 45 trees per row. The trees planted after 3 ton/ac compost, Oilseed radish, Alfalfa and Pacific Gold Mustard cover crops and fumigation average ¼ inch larger diameter than the trees planted with compost and cover crops alone. The farmer says he can visually pick out the cherry trees that were fumigated with Vapam. A few cherry trees were damaged by deer browse and had to be replaced.

Agronomy #53 4 NRCS, Michigan TGN 230 09/10 September 2010 Results of Home Cherry Orchard Field Trial

Tart cherries are more susceptible to damage from herbivore nematodes than apples therefore, high soil quality is essential. In 2005, the oilseed radish was planted and resulted in a good stand. Once the oilseed radish was disk harrowed, some of the plants survived due to the thick taproot so the field was disked again to cut up the big pieces of tap root and cease all growth. The baseline nematode community structure results sampled on May 17, 2005 indicated 39 dagger nematodes. This soil nematode population was above the action threshold table (1 dagger nematode) in MSU Extension Bulletin E-2419. The final nematode analysis after all treatments indicated and average dagger nematode population of 3 per sample. This is above the action threshold for dagger nematode of 1 per sample (100 cm3 soil + 1 g of root). Therefore, the farmer decided to fumigate every other row of the orchard to compare bio- fumigation to Bio-fumigation and fumigation. It appeared that the Pacific Gold Mustard’s Glucosinolate production and the addition of high quality soil organic matter with cover crops and compost had a positive effect on the soil biology by reducing the herbivore nematode population significantly, but not to a level where chemical fumigation was below the action threshold. Fumigation started on the first row of the east side of the field and was applied to every other row (5 of 10 rows). Visual observation and actual measurement of tree diameter 3 years after fumigation indicated larger diameter 3 year old cherry trees where fumigated with Vapam, cover crops and compost. The results of the Home Cherry orchard nematode community structure tests are summarized in Figures 5-7.

Site #3 Paradise Cherry Orchard

Spring 2005:

This field was scheduled for two consecutive mustard cover crops, two compost applications and four complete Nematode Community Structure Soil Tests from May 2005 to September 2006. On May 11, 2005 two complete soil tests were pulled; one to determine the baseline level of nematodes present at planting time and the other the soil nutrient level. The field was tandem disked in early June and Pacific Gold Oriental Mustard (PGO Mustard) was drilled at 18 lbs/ac on June 13, 2005.

Summer 2005

The 3-4 inch PGO Mustard had three inch long by 1/8 inch diameter roots on July 6, 2005. On July 30, 2005 the PGO Mustard was mowed to prevent it from going to seed. Compost at 1.5 tons/ac, was applied on August 12, 2005 and the field was disked. A second PGO Mustard cover crop was seeded at 18 lbs/ac on August 20, 2005. A second Nematode Community Structure soil test was sampled on August 25, 2005.

Fall 2005

The second PGO mustard planting was disked on October 7, 2005. A third Nematode Community Structure soil test was sampled on October 12, 2005. Tree rows were laid out and fumigated where the trees were planted after the fumigation.

Spring 2006

High quality compost at 2 tons/ac was applied and worked in prior to planting a tart cherry orchard. A fourth and fifth Nematode Community Structure soil test was sampled in the fumigated row zone and the non fumigated area between the rows on April 12, 2006.

Summer 2006. A sixth and seventh Nematode soil sample was pulled in the fumigated row zone and the non fumigated area between the rows on July 17, 2006

Agronomy #53 5 NRCS, Michigan TGN 230 09/10 September 2010 Fall 2006

An eighth and ninth final nematode community structure soil test was sampled in the fumigated row zone and the non fumigated area between the rows on September 19, 2006.

Results of Paradise Cherry Orchard Field Trial

The first planting of PGO Mustard had good germination and plant density, but due to the dry weather, and perhaps other factors such as fertility levels with low soil organic matter, the PGO mustard obtained a height of only 18 inches. This was about half the height of the PGO mustard on the irrigated potato field trial. The mustard tops were mowed off trying to stimulate more vegetative growth but the mowed PGO mustard grew only a few inches above the mowing height before setting more seed pods. The first planting of PGO mustard was disked and replanted to a second cover crop of PGO Mustard and was managed very similar to the first PGO Mustard cover crop.. After disking down the second PGO mustard cover crop the third Nematode Community Structure test results indicated a very low percentage of herbivore nematodes and there was no need to fumigate. (See figure 8). However, because the dagger nematodes counted in the October 12, 2005 sample was 8, and above the action threshold level of 1 (see Table 1) the decision was made to fumigate each cherry row in the fall prior to planting the cherry trees in the spring. After fumigation a soil sample for nutrients was taken and high quality compost was applied in the spring 2006. Additional nematode soil samples were taken in April, July and September. In each month a sample was taken in the fumigated tree rows and in the non fumigated tree lanes to compare the nematode community structure in fumigated and non fumigated soil. In the September 2006 nematode test, the number of dagger nematodes (4) was above threshold, but it was the first time in 2006 any dagger nematodes were found in all the samples. The results from the Paradise Cherry Orchard nematode community structure analysis are presented in figures 8-10.

Site #4 Irrigated Seed Potato Field

Spring 2005:

This field was scheduled for two cover crops and five complete Nematode Community Structure Soil Tests from June 2005 to September 2006. One soil test was pulled, on May 11, 2005 to determine the baseline level of nematodes present at planting time. The previous crop of alfalfa was tilled in early June and 200 lbs/ac of 19-19-19 was broadcast before drilling Pacific Gold Oriental Mustard (PGO Mustard) at 15 lbs/ac on June 3, 2005.

Summer 2005

During June this field received 4.35 inches of water from irrigation and rainfall. The PGO Mustard was about five foot tall by July 6, 2005. The PGO Mustard was at the green pod stage on July 19, 2005; 1/3 was rotary mowed then disked and 2/3 was disked twice to prevent it from going to seed. A rye cover crop was seeded on July 23, 2005. A second Nematode Community Structure soil test was sampled on July 27, 2005. Of all the field trials seeded with PGO Mustard this trail had the most above ground biomass growth due to the additional irrigation water it received.

Fall 2005

A third Nematode Community Structure soil test was sampled on September 7, 2005.

Spring 2006

Seed potatoes were planted and a fourth Nematode Community Structure soil test was sampled on May 1, 2006.

Agronomy #53 6 NRCS, Michigan TGN 230 09/10 September 2010

Summer 200

A fifth Nematode Community Structure soil sample was pulled on July 17, 2006

Fall 2006

A sixth and final Nematode Community Structure soil test was taken on September 26, 2006.

Results of the Irrigated Seed Potato Field

The PGO Mustard did extremely well on this field due to the irrigation water and rainfall it received. The mustard reached an average height of 5 feet at the green pod stage. A decision was made by the producer to shred and disk 1/3 of the field verses disk two times on 2/3 of the field to see it this management would affect the amount of herbivore nematodes present. The second nematode sample was taken 8 days after disking and it appears there was not enough time for the mustard to decompose and release glucosinolates to interact with the soil. It was a producer decision to take a third nematode community structure soil sample on September 7, 2005, to determine if the nematode numbers had changed after the mustard decomposed.

The results of the September 7, 2005 Nematode Community Structure test indicated the number of herbivore nematodes was low enough that fumigation was not necessary. Three consecutive Nematode Community Structure tests in 2006 indicated there was an increase of herbivore nematodes in the field. The final Nematode Community Structure sample was taken during potato harvest. However, according to the producer the potatoes were of excellent quality. The results of the Irrigated Seed Potato field nematode community structure tests are summarized in Figures 11-14.

Conclusions and observations from all four field trials:

It appears that the combination of PGO Mustard, other cover crops and applications of high quality compost lowered the herbivore nematode population while increasing the bacterivore nematode population. Also, the variety of the mustard planted in the field is important to determine which nematodes will be controlled. A mixture of yellow, brown and white mustard will provide the best control.1. Each variety of mustard releases different compounds which control different nematodes. Growing three crops as a bio-fumigant in two years (first crop planted late summer, followed by two crops the next growing season), provided the best bio-fumigation. Other management practices, such as incorporating the mustard at green pod stage and sealing the soil with tillage can improve the bio- fumigation properties of the mustard.(see figure 14). Sealing in the glucosinolates can be accomplished by rolling (after tilling) with a crow foot roller or by application of at least ¼-inch of irrigation water.

Based on the information gathered from these field trials and other mustard research projects that Dr. George Bird, MSU Nematologist, has conducted, mustards for bio-fumigation has potential to control nematodes in orchard systems or potato fields until plants can become established. The two orchards participating in the field trial are continuing to use mustard cover crops as a bio-fumigant before replanting a new orchard. The potato farmer has already incorporated mustard cover crops into the crop rotation system and is working to identify which mustards have the best control of herbivore nematodes in their seed potato management system.

Based on the results of this joint NRCS Agronomy Field Trial with MSU Extension staff and other Extension research, it is recommended that the NRCS MI Cover Crop Standard 340 add another purpose to reduce pest pressure. Our recommendation is that the, “Additional Criteria to Reduce Pest Pressure, state that a mixture of brown, white, and yellow mustard should be planted and allowed to reach green pod stage before incorporation (to prevent seed formation and becoming a weed). The mustard should be

Agronomy #53 7 NRCS, Michigan TGN 230 09/10 September 2010 incorporated to increase the effectiveness of the glucosinolates as a bio fumigant to control or reduce herbivore nematodes below threshold levels before planting potatoes or fruit trees.

1/ MSU Extension Soil Quality-Bio-fumigation Workshop. 2/9/2007. Traverse City, MI, Dr. George W. Bird.

Figure 1

Table 1: Nematode Population Management Action Thresholds for Michigan Apple, Cherry and Peach production systems - Seven Genera that cause Economic Losses in Michigan Orchards

Nematode Sample Date Action Threshold/ 100 cm3 soil + 1.0 g root Genera March to May to August to November to Herbivores* May August November March Root-lesion 15 20 30 30 Root-knot 10 15 20 20 Stubby-root 15 20 30 30 Dagger 1 1 1 1 Lance 10 15 20 20 Ring 50 100 150 100 Needle 5 5 5 5 Source: MSUE Bulletin E 2419- Avoidance and Management of Nematode Problems in Tree Fruit Production in Michigan. *herbivores feed directly on plant roots and are potential vectors for various fruit diseases

Figure 2 Site #1 Yuba New Apple Orchard Field Trial (percent) Nematode Feeding 5/11/05 7/12/05 10/12/05 5/1/06 7/17/06 9/19/08 Behavior Bacterivore 44 70 81 68 42 56 Fungivores 26 11 7 24 7 30 Herbivore 22 7 2 0 2 6 7 11 10 6 44 8 1 1 0 3 5 0 Average Absolute 431 418 534 170 214 330 Density (number)

Agronomy #53 8 NRCS, Michigan TGN 230 09/10 September 2010 Figure 3

Yuba New Apple Orchard 100

90

80

70

60 Stubby-root Spiral 50 Ring Dagger 40 Number Present Lesion 30 20

10 0 5/11/2005 7/26/2005 10/12/2005 5/1/2006 7/17/2006 9/19/2006 1 2 1 0 0 0 Stubby-root Spiral 24 13 0 0 0 3 Ring 56 1 1 0 0 0 Dagger 8 8 4 0 0 0 Lesion 4 5 3 0 4 2 Date Sampled

Figure 4

Yuba Apple Orchard Nematode Analysis Sorted by feeding type

600

500

400 Carnivores Bacterivores 300 Omnivores Fungivores Herbivores 200

Nematodes of Number Total 100

0 5/11/2005 7/26/2005 10/12/2005 5/1/2006 7/17/2006 9/19/2006 Carnivores 5 3 2 5 10 0 Bacterivores 188 292 433 115 90 185 Omnivores 30 45 53 10 95 25 Fungivores 113 47 35 40 15 100 Herbivores 94 31 10 0 4 20 Date Sampled

Agronomy #53 9 NRCS, Michigan TGN 230 09/10 September 2010 Figure 5

Home Cherry Site Nematode Feeding 5/20/05 7/26/05 5/1/06 7/17/06 9/19/06 Behavior Bacterivore 72 81 74 74 62 Fungivores 11 6 22 23 31 Herbivore 10 5 1 1 5 Omnivore 7 7 2 2 2 Carnivore 0 1 1 0 0 Average Absolute 364 651 520 527 425 Density (number)

Figure 6

Home Cherry Orchard Nematode Analysis

90

80

70

60 Stubby-root 50 Spiral Ring 40 Dagger Lesion Number Present 30

20

10

0 5/20/2005 7/26/2005 5/1/2006 7/17/2006 9/19/2006 Stubby-root 1 1 0 0 0 Spiral 3 11 0 3 0 Ring 36 33 1 4 4 Dagger 39 10 0 0 3 Lesion 1 13 0 0 0 Date Sampled

Agronomy #53 10 NRCS, Michigan TGN 230 09/10 September 2010 Figure 7

Home Cherry Orchard Nematode Analysis Sorted by Feeding Type

700

600

500

Carnivores 400 Bacterivores Omnivores Fungivores 300 Herbivores

Total Number of Nematodes of Number Total 200

100

0 5/20/2005 7/26/2005 5/1/2006 7/17/2006 9/19/2006 Carnivores 0 7 5 0 0 Bacterivores 262 527 385 390 265 Omnivores 27 48 10 10 10 Fungivores 39 37 115 120 130 Herbivores 36 33 5 7 20 Date Sampled

Figure 8

Paradise Cherry Orchard Field Trial (%) Feeding 5/11/05 8/25/05 10/12/05 4/12/06 4/12/06 7/17/06 7/17/06 9/19/06 9/19/06 Behavior Non Fumed Non Fumed Non Fum Bacterivore 31 43 54 67 65 47 56 55 73 Fungivores 18 23 15 15 21 17 11 20 18 Herbivore 20 10 7 4 2 3 0 13 0 Omnivore 30 22 24 13 12 34 33 12 9 Carnivore 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 Absolute Density 361 433 227 260 50 148 45 127 55 (no.)

Agronomy #53 11 NRCS, Michigan TGN 230 09/10 September 2010 Figure 9

Paradise Cherry Orchard Nematode Analysis

70

60

50 Stubby-root Spiral 40 Ring Dagger Lesion Number Present 30

20

10

0 4/12/2006- 4/12/2006- 7/17/2006- 7/17/2006- 9/19/2006- 9/19/2006- 5/11/2005 8/25/2005 10/12/2005 NON FUM NON FUM NON FUM Stubby-root 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Spiral 4 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 Ring 6 14 0 2 0 1 0 8 0 Dagger 54 29 8 0 0 0 0 4 0 Lesion 7 2 7 7 0 3 0 1 0 Date Sampled

Figure 10

Paradise Cherry Site Nematode Analysis Sorted by Feeding Type

500

450

400 350

300 Carnivores Bacterivores 250 Omnivores 200 Fungivores Herbivores 150

Nematodes of Number Total 100

50

0 4/12/06- 4/12/06- 7/17/06- 7/17/06- 9/19/06- 9/19/06- 5/11/2005 8/25/2005 10/12/2005 Non Fum Non Fum Non Fum Carnivores 5 5 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 Bacterivores 112 187 122 173 33 70 25 70 40 Omnivores 108 95 55 35 6 50 15 15 5 Fungivores 65 102 33 40 11 25 5 25 10 Herbivores 71 45 15 12 1 4 0 17 0 Date Sampled

Agronomy #53 12 NRCS, Michigan TGN 230 09/10 September 2010 Figure 11

Site #4 Seed Potato Field Trial (percent) Nematode Feeding 5/11/05 7/272/05 9/7/05 5/1/06 7/17/06 9/26/06 Behavior Bacterivore 46 80 66 31 83 32 Fungivores 24 5 11 16 4 2 Herbivore 10 4 9 2 8 62 Omnivore 9 6 14 43 4 2 Carnivore 9 1 0 8 0 2 Average Absolute Density 341 586 219 127 228 474 (number)

Figure 12

Seed Potato Field Nematode Analysis Sorted by Feeding Type

30

25

20 Stubby-root Spiral 15 Ring Dagger Lesion Number Present 10

5

0 5/11/2005 7/27/2005 9/7/2005 5/1/2006 7/17/2006 9/26/2006 Stubby-root 0 0 0 0 0 0 Spiral 0 0 0 0 0 0 Ring 0 0 0 0 0 0 Dagger 0 0 0 0 0 0 Lesion 1 18 8 1 16 24 Date Sampled

Agronomy #53 13 NRCS, Michigan TGN 230 09/10 September 2010 Figure 13

Seed Potato Field Sorted by Nematode Analysis

500

450

400 350

300 Carnivores Bacterivores 250 Omnivores Fungivores 200 Herbivores 150

Nematodes of Number Total 100

50

0 5/11/2005 7/27/2005 9/7/2005 5/1/2006 7/17/2006 9/26/2006 Carnivores 0 0 0 10 0 10 Bacterivores 0 0 0 40 190 150 Omnivores 0.33 0 0 55 10 10 Fungivores 0 0 0 20 10 10 Herbivores 0.67 18.25 8 2 18 294 Date Sampled

Figure 14

Management Practice Crop Yield (%) Nematode Control Soil Fumigation + 31% 94 No fumigant + 8% 82 Bio-fumigation & Incorporation - 1% 39 Bio-fumigation +sealing + 11% 69 Bio-fumigation + tarping + 12% 51 Table from Dr. Bird’s Soil Quality –Bio-fumigation Workshop Traverse City, MI Feb. 2008.

Table 2:

Nematode Community Structure 2006 Michigan Relative Density Standard

Feeding Behavior Woodlot Old Field Certified Organic Conventional Succession Agriculture Bacterivore 51% 83% 73% 28% Fungivores 18% 7% 26% 14% Herbivore 28% 7% 0.6% 57% Omnivore 3% 2% 0.2% 0.2% Carnivore 1% 1% 0.003% 0.05% Algivores NA 0.03% NA NA Absolute Density 500 1700 3500 200

Source: Ecologically-Based Farming Systems, Mutch D. R. et al. Michigan State University Extension Bulletin E-2983. East Lansing. 139 pp. References

Agronomy #53 14 NRCS, Michigan TGN 230 09/10 September 2010

1. Bongers, T. 1990. The maturity index, an ecological measure of environmental based on nematode species composition. Oecologia 83:14-19. 2. Bongers, T. and M. Bongers. 1998. Functional diversity of nematodes. App. Soil Ecol. 10:239-251. 3. Berney, M. F. and G. W. Bird. 1998. Nematodes, pp. 71-79 (in) Michigan Field Crop Ecology, Cavigelli, M. A., S. R. Deming, L. K. Probyn and R. R. Harwood (eds). Michigan State University Extension Bulletin E-2646. East Lansing. 86 pp. 4. Bird, G. W. 2000. Nematodes and Soil Quality, pp. 84-94 Michigan Field Crop Pest Ecology and Management, Cavigelli, M. A., S. R. Deming, L. K. Probyn and D. R. Mutch (eds). Michigan State University Extension Bulletin E-2704. 102 pp. 5. Bird, G. W., R. R. Harwood, J. Sanchez, M. Berney, J. Smeek and J. Smith. 2004. Role of nematodes in nutrient cycling. Phytopathol 94:S129. 6. Cavigelli, M. A., S. R. Deming, L. K. Probyn and R. Harwood. 2000. Field Crop Ecology: Managing Biological processes for Productivity and Environmental Quality. Michigan State University Extension Bulletin Bull E-2646. E. Lansing. 92 pp. 7. Cavigelli, M. A., S. R. Deming, L. K. Probyn and D. R. Mutch. 2000. Michigan Field Crop Pest Ecology and Management. Michigan. State Univ. Ext. Bull. E-2704. E. Lansing. 108 pp. 8. Chen, J. and H. Ferris. 1999. The effects of nematode on nitrogen mineralization during fungal of organic matter. Soil Biology and Biochemistry. 31:1265- 1279. 9. Doran, J., W., Coleman, D. Bezdicek and B. Stewart 1994. Defining Soil Quality for a Sustainable Environment. Soil Science Society of America 35:1-244. 10. Doran, J. W. and A. J. Jones. 1996. Methods for Assessing Soil Quality. Soil Science Society of America 49: 1-410. 11. Epstein, D., J. Anderson, G. Bird, J. Flore, L. Gut, P. McManus, J. Nugent, R. Issac, A. Schilder, M. Whalon, R. Sirrine, J. Sanchez. 2007. Tart Cherry Systems. pp. 74-101 (in) Ecologically-Based Farming Systems, Mutch D. R. et al. Michigan State University Extension Bulletin E-2983. East Lansing. 139 pp. 12. Ferris, H., R. Venette and K. Scow. 2004. Soil management to enhance bacterivore and Fungivores nematode populations and their nitrogen mineralization function. App. Soil Ecol. 25:19-35. 13. Ferris, H., T. Bongers and R. G. M. de Goede. 2001. A framework for diagnostics: Extension of the nematode faunal analysis concept. Appl. Soil Ecol. 18:13-29. 14. Ferris, H., R. C. Venette, H. R. van der Meulen and S. S. Lau. 1998. Nitrogen mineralization by bacterial-feeding nematodes: Verification and measurement Pl. Soil 203:159-171. 15. Hunt, H. W., D. C. Coleman, E. R. Ingham, R. E. Ingham, E. T. Elliott, J. C. Moore, S. L. Rose, C P. P. Reid and C. R. Morley. The detrital food web in a short-grass prairie. 1987. Biol. Fertil. Soils 3:57-68. 16. Ingham, R. E., J. A. Trofymow, E. R. Ingham and D. C. Coleman. 1985. Interactions of bacteria, fungi and their nematode grazers: Effects on nutrient cycling and plant growth. Ecological Monographs 55:119-140. 17. Jenkins, W. R. 1964. A rapid centrifuge-flotation technique for separating nematodes from soil. Plant Dis. Report. 48:692. A. Landis, J. N., J. E. Sanchez, G. W. Bird, C. E. Edson, R. Issaacs, R. H. Lehnert, M. C. Schilder and S. M. Swinton. 2002. Fruit Crop Ecology and Management. 18. Michigan State University Extension Bulletin E-2759. E. Lansing. 101 pp. 19. Nehr, D. 2001. Role of nematodes in soil health and their use an indicators. J. Nematol. 34:161-168. Agronomy #53 15 NRCS, Michigan TGN 230 09/10 September 2010 20. Sanchez, J. E., T. C. Willson, R. J. Zoppolo, D. Stefanelli and G. W. Bird. 2002. The Soil, pp. 21-28 (in) Fruit Crop Ecology and Management, Landis, J. N., J. E. Sanchez, G. W. Bird, C.. E. Edson, R. Isaacs, R. H. Lehnert, A. M. C. Schilder and S. M. Swinton (Eds). Michigan State University Extension Bulletin E-2759. East Lansing. 101 pp. 21. Sanchez, J. E., T.C. Willson, K. Kizilkaya, E. Parker, and R.R. Harwood. 2001. Enhancing the mineralizable nitrogen pool through substrate diversity in long term cropping systems. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 65:1442-1447. 22. Smith, J. 2004. Impacts of Soil Ecosystem disturbance on Nematode Community Structure. M.S. thesis. Michigan State University. East Lansing. 23. Snapp, S., G. W. Bird, W. Kirk. R. Chase and D. Smucker. 2005. Potato Systems, (in) Ecologically-Based Farming Systems, D. R. Mutch et al. (Eds). Michigan State University Extension Bulletin. East Lansing (in press). 24. Yeates, W., T. Bongers, R. G. M. de Goede, D. W. Freckman and S. S. Georgieva. 1993. J. Nematol. 25:315-331.

Acknowledgement: Almost all the Agronomy field trial work and most of this tech notes content was provided by the NRCS staff in the Bellaire field office: Diane Bromelmier, Jeremy Sova, Abby Smith, cooperating with MSU Extension staff (Dr. Bird and Stanley Moore) and three Northwestern Michigan farms. Most of the content is from the 2005/2006 Agronomy Field Trial January 2007 Final Report. John Bricker, Michigan State Conservationist provided support and funds for the nematode sampling and analysis. J. Grigar, Michigan NRCS State Agronomist, did the final edit on the Technical Note #53.

Agronomy #53 16 NRCS, Michigan TGN 230 09/10 September 2010