ALCC04698: Post-1988 Agricultural Land Classification Survey for Bedford

England and Wales agricultural land classification 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 mapping scales ranging from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000. Some surveys also contain unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.

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 mentioned in the description.
• Map land use suitability at varying scales (from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000) for regional planning.
• Study the subdivision of Grade 3 agricultural land into subgrades 3a and 3b for precision agriculture assessments.

Strengths

• Original survey data from a government ministry (MAFF) collected between 1989 and 1999.
• Includes detailed subdivision of Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b.
• Maps and reports are available at varying scales, typically 1:10,000.

Limitations

• Row count, column names, and file formats are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• Data is derived from scanned original paper maps, which may require digitization for modern GIS workflows.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys with soil analysis, mapping, and report generation.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Survey data covers 1989-1999; last update date for the digital record is unknown.

Geography

England and Wales, specifically the Bedford, Marsh Leys Farm, Woburn Road site.