Agricultural Land Classification Survey Maps and Reports, 1989-1999

Scanned original paper maps and survey reports from detailed agricultural land classification surveys conducted between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food. The data includes the subdivision of Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b, following the grading methodology described in the official classification guidelines. Surveys were mapped at varying scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000, and some include unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.

Use Cases

• Classify agricultural land capability based on detailed soil survey reports
• Analyze spatial distribution of land grades, including subgrades 3a and 3b, using scanned maps
• Integrate historical soil pit descriptions and sample point data for land use studies

Strengths

• Survey data follows the official 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' methodology
• Includes subdivision of Grade 3 into subgrades 3a and 3b, providing finer detail
• Some surveys include unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment
• Data may reflect temporal bias inherent to surveys conducted between 1989 and 1999

Provenance

Source

Natural England and Ordnance Survey

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Time Range

1989-1999

Geography

England and Wales (specific site: Mepal, Block Fen - Site 1)