Agricultural Land Classification detailed Post 1988 survey ALCC03395

Post-1988 Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) survey data for sites in England and Wales, including Ollerton, Newark and Sherwood. The dataset comprises scanned original paper maps, survey reports, and for some sites, unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions. It was created by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food between 1989 and 1999, using the grading methodology from the 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' guidelines.

Use Cases

• Classify agricultural land capability based on the detailed grading methodology described in the survey reports.
• Analyze soil characteristics and variability using the unedited sample point soils data and pit descriptions.
• Map land quality at varying scales (from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000) for regional planning and agricultural development.
• Study historical land use changes by comparing post-1988 survey data with other temporal datasets.

Strengths

• Includes the subdivision of Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b, providing finer detail.
• Contains original survey materials like scanned maps and reports for individual sites surveyed between 1989 and 1999.
• Some surveys include unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.

Limitations

• Row count and file formats are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (UK), via Natural England and the Government Digital Service.

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys conducted by government agencies, with results recorded on paper maps and in reports.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Data collection period is 1989-1999; last update date is unknown.

Geography

England and Wales, with specific sites including Ollerton, Newark and Sherwood.