How to set up your sub-fields

Sub-fields allow you to divide your fields up into smaller areas to record multiple crop, grazing blocks or areas that are not in use.

Camilla Hayselden-Ashby avatar
Written by Camilla Hayselden-Ashby
Updated over a week ago

You can use sub-fields to measure out areas for different uses and to keep accurate records. This feature will let you record different crops, have multiple treatment areas and keep different livestock groups within one field.

Sub-fields don't change your field boundaries and apply for one year only. You can set usages, add notes, field jobs and attach livestock.

Sub-fields is a PLUS feature. Upgrade to Plus here. You can learn more about plans and pricing here.

How to set up your sub-fields

Drawing sub-fields is web only. Once sub-fields have been drawn on web they will show on mobile.

How to start drawing a sub-field

  • Select the field from the map or the field list

  • Select “+ Add sub-field” on the side bar

  • You will then see a menu bar with drawing tool on the map. To create your sub-fields you have 4 tools available: Slice, Cut out, Add margin and Merge

How to undo an action or start fresh when setting up a sub-field

Click on the undo icon to undo an action. This can only be used while you are setting up the sub-fields before you press save.

To clear all sub-fields while you are drawing them click the “Start Fresh” button.

How to slice your fields into multiple sections

Divide your fields into section, e.g. for multiple crops or grazing blocks

  • Select “Slice” from the tool bar on the map

  • Draw a line across the field where you would like it to be split. Please note you need to start and finish the split outside of the field that you want to be divided.

  • Single click to start the slice line outside of the field and double click to finish the slice outside off the field and make the divide.

  • You can slice your field into as many sub-fields as you need. To make a second slice select the field you could like to divide and repeat the process.

  • You can change the name of the sub-fields in the side bar

  • Click "Save"

  • Next will be asked if you would like to attach your existing usages to the sub fields. Select the sub-fields that you would like to keep the field usage that the parent field was originally set up with.

How to cut out an area from a field

This can be used to remove a non-farmed area from a crop.

  • Select the field on the map

  • Select “Cut out” from the tool bar on the map

  • Draw an area that you would like to remove from your field. Add points for the outline of your area by clicking on the map. To finish your shape double click or click on your starting point.If you make a mistake you can edit your shape by dragging the outline of your shape.

  • You can change the name of the sub-field on the side menu (e.g. Working area or woodland).

  • Click "Save"

  • Next will be asked if you would like to attach your existing field usages to the sub fields. Select the field that you will be growing that crop on.

  • The removed area will now be set up as a sub-field. The area of this sub-field will be removed from the area of the other sub-field.

  • You can view the total area of the field on the parent view screen. You can set up the removed area with a different field-use such as water or trees.

How to add a measured margin around the inside of a field

  • Select the field on the map

  • Select “Add Margin” from the tool bar on the map

  • Add the margin width

  • Click "Apply"

  • You can change the name of the margin on the side bar.

  • Click "Save"

  • Select on the pop-up if you would like to keep your existing usage on the working area of the crop.

  • The margin area will now be set up as a sub-field. The area of the margin will be removed from the area of the other sub-field.

This tool creates a margin around the whole field. You can read how to create a partial margin around a field here.

Merging sub-fields together

  • Select the field from the map

If you have not set up sub-fields yet:

  • Select + sub-field on the side bar

If you are editing sub-fields select edit not set up sub-fields yet:

  • Open the parent field screen by clicking the parent fields name on the top title.

  • Click "Edit" on the sub-field section

  • Select a sub-field on the map

  • Select 'Merge' from the tool bar on the map

  • Select another field to merge and click 'Apply'

  • Your sub-fields will be merged into one. They will take the name of the first sub-field you selected but you can change the name on the side bar.

Viewing sub-fields on the side bar

The sub-field that you create will be visible on the map and on the field list on the side bar. here you will also be able to view field-usage and the size of the sub-field.

The name of the parent field will be show first followed by the name of the sub-field.

How to view the parent field

You can view details about the parent field by:

  • Open up a sub-field by clicking the field on a map or on the field list

  • Click the parent fields name on the top title.

The parent field includes information about the individual sub-field areas an historic jobs that have occurred on that field.

How to edit a sub-fields

  • Open the parent field screen

  • Click edit on the sub-field section

Exporting sub-fields data.

If you would like to export the sub-field data as a spreadsheet or shape files please contact support@fieldmargin.com with your requirements.


If you have any questions at all we are here to help. Please contact support@fieldmargin.com.

Sub-fields is a PLUS and PRO feature. Upgrade to Plus here or sign up to a free trial here. You can learn more about plans and pricing here.

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