This morning, I am overnighting a soil sample to Clemson University for them to perform a nematode assay on. Nematodes are microscopic round worms that feed on the roots of plants and have been a minor issue for us (on greens) at Highlands CC in the last 10 years. To monitor populations, researchers at Clemson will physically count the population and identify the various species present in 100 cubic centimeters of a soil sample. Research has allowed us to know the threshold levels per species that turfgrass can withstand before a treatment is needed. With the population shifting throughout the year, I do this test on a monthly basis between April-November so I always know where we stand.