RKN Control Attn: Dr. Carolyn

JackE · September 22, 2011

Dr Carolyn -

I have a technical query re RKN that you are best qualified to answer. I have read a lot of your material on this subject.

I have one RKN infested acre of coarse sandy loam that I have been clean-fallowing since the spring of 2010 - by frequent tilling, not herbicide. Between monthly tillings, I've ridged it up with a 14" middle buster plow to disturb the soil as deeply as possible and expose it to the sun.

It will be two years next spring, with a lot of extremely dry, very hot weather. There has been no living roots for the RKN to eat. I plan to plant cool weather crops there this winter, which will should be harvested before the soil temp warms-up enough for RKN activity - if there are any left alive.

Do you think I will be safe to plant tomatoes there in 2012 after I clean-up the spinach and carrots? Or should I fallow it again one more summer to be on the safe side? Or, would you recommend getting a soil test from a private lab before planting tomatoes. Our local extension office does not handle soil samples in a timely manner and all the nems will have died from old age before arriving at TX A&M!

Any advice is appreciated. Thank You.

Jack

September 22, 2011	#1
JackE Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Woodville, Texas Posts: 520	RKN Control Attn: Dr. Carolyn Dr Carolyn - I have a technical query re RKN that you are best qualified to answer. I have read a lot of your material on this subject. I have one RKN infested acre of coarse sandy loam that I have been clean-fallowing since the spring of 2010 - by frequent tilling, not herbicide. Between monthly tillings, I've ridged it up with a 14" middle buster plow to disturb the soil as deeply as possible and expose it to the sun. It will be two years next spring, with a lot of extremely dry, very hot weather. There has been no living roots for the RKN to eat. I plan to plant cool weather crops there this winter, which will should be harvested before the soil temp warms-up enough for RKN activity - if there are any left alive. Do you think I will be safe to plant tomatoes there in 2012 after I clean-up the spinach and carrots? Or should I fallow it again one more summer to be on the safe side? Or, would you recommend getting a soil test from a private lab before planting tomatoes. Our local extension office does not handle soil samples in a timely manner and all the nems will have died from old age before arriving at TX A&M! Any advice is appreciated. Thank You. Jack Last edited by JackE; September 22, 2011 at 06:29 AM.