How do I create soil test point layers?

Overview: 

The Soil Test Layer is an easy way to set up testing points for field sampling. It creates the layer in a format that allows the data to import automatically from the lab. Existing soil test points can also be copied to allow for resampling in the same point location(s)

Requirements:

• Farms and field boundaries created.
• Crop Zones assigned.
• If there is a Soil Test Point Layer from a previous year, rename the layer to avoid processing errors.
• Soil sampling crew created.

Process: 

To copy the point locations and sample ID(s) from an existing layer in a new layer:

1. Choose the Field and existing soil test layer from the Domain Tree (the list of farms and fields).
2. Right-click on the layer and select Copy Layer(s), select Copy as a Soil Test Layer
3. Chose the layer name for the newly created layer click when complete:
4. Sample points are visible by selecting the new Soil Test Layer in the Domain Tree. 
5. For Fertility soil sampling, results will be automatically populated by the Lab after samples are processed. 

6. Now you're ready to create a sampling work order.

Chose the layer name for the newly created layer click when complete:

To create a new layer:

1. Choose the Field where you want to add the layer from the Domain Tree (the list of farms and fields).
2. On the menu bar, click Layer.
3. Select Create a New Layer and then select Create a New Site Layer.
4. If you have a Soil Test Layer template, in the new layer window, click Load Template.
5. From the list, select the Desired Soil Test Template.
6. If no template, in the Properties tab, Name the Soil Test Layer with a Layer Type = Soil Test.  
7. Under the Attributes tab, if SampleID does not exist, click Add Attribute.   Name="SampleID" and Data Use= Nominal.
8. In the main new layer window, enter the Collected Date and Lab.
9. Click OK to create the layer.

To add sample points to the map:

1. Select the Soil Test Layer located under the field in the Domain Tree.
2. Click the Layer menu and select Layer Editor.
3. Click New Site.

5. Use the crosshairs to designate soil sample locations by clicking on the map.
   • Sample ID numbers are automatically assigned.
6. Click Save and close the Layer Editor.
7. Sample points are visible by selecting the Soil Test Layer in the Domain Tree. 
8. For Fertility soil sampling, results will be automatically populated by the Lab after samples are processed. 

Now you're ready to create a sampling work order.

Related Articles:
How do I set up a Sampling Crew?

How do I Customize Soil Test Point Layers?
How do I create a sampling work order?

How do I use the AgStudio Map App to Collect Soil Samples?
What are the Standards for Soil Test Analysis?
What are the Soil Test Layer Attribute Standards?