Composite Samples
A composite sample event is one in which multiple samples are taken at different points in an area and then combined into one representative sample to be sent to a lab. Sometimes these can be brought in by growers or collected by others without being previously georeferenced. Below highlights how to georeference these samples by marking the field centroid (center of the field).
Creating a Composite Sample Event Online
To upload a Sample Event, navigate to Field Samples and choose 'New Sample Event'.
Select the appropriate type, in this case, choose 'Soil' and then 'Without Upload'.
3. Click 'Next' to begin filling out the Main information tab. The system will ask for a specific field unless it is already selected in the Location Navigator:
A. Selected Field - The selected field name will display here, select Change to update it to a new field. The selected field should be the field the file data belongs to.
B. Date - This will default to the current date, backdate the information if needed to keep accurate records.
C. Season - The season will default to the year which matches the date.
D. Sample Method - This will display the option for Point, Zone or Composite. For this example, Composite should be selected.
E. Sample Density - Record the number of points or zones if desired. This is not required.
F. Column Depth - Enter in the column depth for the sample event. Starting and Ending depth will default
G. Add Depth - If multiple depth samples took place, use this option to add a second or third depth.
4. Fill out the requested information and click 'Next' to fill out the Lab information:
A. Lab - Select the lab that completed the sample test from the drop-down.
B. Account Number - This entry is optional. Since the results already exist, the lab does not need the Account Number for processing. But for record keeping, if Account Number would like to be entered it may be.
C. Sample Packages - Select the package from the appropriate drop down. If the same package was used for All Depths, complete the package for that entry. If there are different packages for different depths then define those individually.
5. Then select Next.
6. A new window will display, drag the appropriate file type into the window or use the option "Select a File from Your Computer".
7. The system will upload the file and read the data columns from it in the import/mapping interface.
8. Fill out the following information:
A. Template Source: Select 'Use Existing' or 'Create New'. If uploading multiple shapefiles from the same provider save the Template to speed up the upload process. If its the first time uploading a shapefile from the provider select 'Create New'
B. Template: If 'Create New' is selected, then complete the Template Name.
C. Sample ID Column: Select the column the sample ID is contained within. The system will try to name match given common ID column names. (Ex. ID, Number)
D. Lat/Lon: Select the appropriate column containing the Lat/Lon. The system will try to name match these columns. (CSV and XLS files only)
E. File Nutrient: Select the Column headers from the DBF file that contains the date to be imported
F. System Nutrient: Select a system nutrient from the master list and map the appropriate nutrient.
G. Unit: Select the unit of measure that the results are in WITHIN THE FILE. There is a setting within the system to "View" results in a preferred unit, but when uploading data always upload as the unit of measure that is within the file.
H. Extraction: If you know the extraction method which was used, select it from this list. If not leave as known. If there are two P results within the file, use the extraction option to differentiate between the two and view both. (Ex, P Bray vs P Olsen)
I. Depth: If working with multiple sample depths use this option to map which nutrient value goes to which depth. For example, if you have a P reading a for 0-6 and 6-12, use this option to differentiate the two and upload the P value for the second depth.
J. Value Type: Choose the value type for each element.
Calculated - Any value that is derived from values measured by a laboratory test.
Measured - Any value that is directly measured by a laboratory test.
Index - Any index that is calculated from values measured by a laboratory test.
K. Add Element: Use this option to add more rows of data if an automatic match does not occur
L. Save Template: Use this option after all information is updated to use the template during the next upload process.
M. List Template: Select this option to manage the Templates saved to your account. If you would like to remove a template, use this option.
N. Apply: Select this when all other information is completed.
9. Before selecting 'Apply', you may 'Save Template' for later use.
10. Templates can be previewed or deleted by clicking 'List Template'. See Preview or Delete Templates for more info.
11. Once the file import is applied, a preview of the mapping will be displayed.
12. Below is an example of a Composite Preview.
13. Below is an example of what the composite sample will look like when complete.
14. The letters and numbers by the date are the Event Code.
The Event Code is what the lab uses to identify this sample to associate its results back to TELUS Agronomy.
15. Lab Check-In Sheets are generated by selecting the 'Report' option in the lower right. Lab Check-Ins are sent to the lab with the soil samples. See Field Sample Report for more information.
Viewing Core Locations and Re-Sampling Core Locations
When completing a composite sample there are many times when multiple cores will be recorded within the Mobile App. Core locations will now display within the Field Sample Dashboard if they are recorded. Below is an example of what this will look like.
The small points denote the core locations.
The number of cores is noted on the sample ID tile.
2. To resample a composite sample using the same core locations, select the arrow next to report and select 'Cores to Targets'. By default this will bring in the core locations of the composite sample as your new target event. See Add/Edit Target Event for more info.
Preview or Delete Templates
When uploading soil samples, it can get confusing which template to choose if there are many choices. This option allows you to preview templates and delete irrelevant ones.
When uploading a file, once on the section where a template is chosen, click 'List Template'.
A list of available templates populates.
The list icon allows for a preview of the template.
Clicking the trash can will prompt to delete the template.
