Agricultural Land Classification Survey: Detailed Site Maps and Reports (1989-1999)

England and Wales agricultural land survey data from detailed site surveys conducted between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The dataset includes scanned original paper maps and reports for individual sites, with soil grading following the methodology in 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales'. Some surveys also contain unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.

Use Cases

• Classify land capability for agriculture based on the detailed grading methodology described in the survey reports.
• Analyze historical soil characteristics and land quality for specific sites based on the available soil pit descriptions and sample point data.
• Map agricultural land grades, including the subdivision of Grade 3 into subgrades 3a and 3b, for regional planning.
• Assess changes in land classification over time by comparing this historical survey data with more recent surveys.

Strengths

• Data collection spans a defined 10-year period from 1989 to 1999.
• Includes the subdivision of Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b, providing finer detail.
• Original survey maps and reports are preserved as scanned documents.
• Some surveys include unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.

Limitations

• Row count, column definitions, and file formats are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• Maps were created at varying scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000, which may affect consistency.

Provenance

Source

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (survey), Natural England (copyright).

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys with soil grading, resulting in paper maps and reports which were later scanned.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Data collection ended in 1999; last update date is unknown.

Geography

Specific sites in England and Wales, including the 'Land Between Ellough Road and Oak Lane, Beccles' example.