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:
- Choose the Field and existing soil test layer from the Domain Tree (the list of farms and fields).
- Right-click on the layer and select Copy Layer(s), select Copy as a Soil Test Layer
- Chose the layer name for the newly created layer click
when complete:
- Sample points are visible by selecting the new Soil Test Layer in the Domain Tree.
- For Fertility soil sampling, results will be automatically populated by the Lab after samples are processed.
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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:
- Choose the Field where you want to add the layer from the Domain Tree (the list of farms and fields).
- On the menu bar, click Layer.
- Select Create a New Layer and then select Create a New Site Layer.
- If you have a Soil Test Layer template, in the new layer window, click Load Template.
- From the list, select the Desired Soil Test Template.
- If no template, in the Properties tab, Name the Soil Test Layer with a Layer Type = Soil Test.
- Under the Attributes tab, if SampleID does not exist, click Add Attribute. Name="SampleID" and Data Use= Nominal.
- In the main new layer window, enter the Collected Date and Lab.
- Click OK to create the layer.
To add sample points to the map:
- Select the Soil Test Layer located under the field in the Domain Tree.
- Click the Layer menu and select Layer Editor.
- Click New Site.
- Use the crosshairs to designate soil sample locations by clicking on the map.
- Sample ID numbers are automatically assigned.
- Click Save and close the Layer Editor.
- Sample points are visible by selecting the Soil Test Layer in the Domain Tree.
- 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?