ALCC04697: Post-1988 Agricultural Land Classification Survey Maps and Reports

Scanned original paper maps and survey reports for detailed agricultural land classification surveys conducted between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food. The data covers individual sites in England and Wales, mapping land grades from 1 to 5, including subdivisions of Grade 3, using methodology from the official classification guidelines. Unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions are also available for some surveys.

Use Cases

• Analyze historical agricultural land quality based on mapped land grades and subgrades.
• Study soil characteristics and variability based on available unedited sample point soils data.
• Compare land classification methodology and detail across surveys mapped at varying scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000.

Strengths

• Data uses the official grading methodology described in 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales'.
• Includes subdivision of Grade 3 into subgrades 3a and 3b, providing finer detail.
• Contains unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions for some surveys.

Limitations

• Row count, column definitions, and file formats are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• Data may reflect geographic and temporal bias inherent to surveys conducted between 1989 and 1999.

Provenance

Source

Government Digital Service

Collection Method

Scanned original paper maps and survey reports from detailed site surveys.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Geography

England and Wales (individual sites like Watnall, Crowhill Farm)