There's still time this spring before planting to check fields for the presence of the soybean cyst nematode (SCN). This nematode is widespread throughout Iowa, but infestations can go unnoticed because obvious aboveground symptoms may not be visible for many years after the introduction of the pest into the field. Early detection of SCN infestations when population densities (numbers) are low is very important because it is much easier to keep low population densities of SCN in check than to decrease high population densities.