Agricultural Land Classification detailed Post 1988 survey ALCL00292

Original paper maps and survey reports for detailed Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) site surveys conducted between 1989 and 1999 by the UK Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The data includes scanned maps at scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000, unedited soil sample point data, and soil pit descriptions for some sites, using the grading methodology from the official 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' guidelines. This dataset is provided by the Government Digital Service and contains Natural England and Ordnance Survey copyright material.

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 soil pit descriptions.
• Map land quality for planning and policy development based on the scanned geospatial maps at varying scales.
• Study historical land use and soil survey practices from the late 20th century based on the 1989-1999 survey period.

Strengths

• Surveys use the official 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' methodology, providing a standardized grading system.
• Includes the subdivision of Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b, offering finer detail for analysis.
• Contains original scanned maps at detailed scales, typically 1:10,000, and supplementary soil sample data for some sites.

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), provided via Government Digital Service.

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys involving field mapping and soil analysis, with results compiled into paper maps and reports later scanned.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

null

Geography

Hutton Rudby and Thoraldby, England (specific sites within the UK)