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

Post-1988 Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) site survey data from detailed surveys conducted between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The dataset consists of scanned original paper maps and survey reports for individual sites, using the grading methodology described in 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales.' It includes unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions for some surveys.

Use Cases

• Classify agricultural land capability based on the detailed grading methodology described in the survey reports.
• Analyze historical land quality trends based on survey data collected between 1989 and 1999.
• Integrate soil pit descriptions and sample point data for site-specific agricultural assessments.
• Map land use suitability by overlaying scanned survey maps with modern geospatial data.

Strengths

• Data is based on a defined and referenced grading methodology ('Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales').
• Includes the subdivision of Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b for finer detail.
• Contains original, unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions for some surveys.

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 (MAFF), via Natural England and the Government Digital Service.

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys involving soil analysis and mapping, conducted between 1989 and 1999.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Data collection period ended in 1999; the dataset is historical.

Geography

England and Wales, with a specific example site near Boroughbridge, Harrogate.