Agricultural Land Classification Survey for York, 1989-1999

Post 1988 Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) site survey data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The dataset includes scanned original paper maps and survey reports for sites in York surveyed in detail between 1989 and 1999, using grading methodology described in the official guidelines. For some surveys, unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions are also available.

Use Cases

• Classify agricultural land capability based on the official grading methodology described in the survey reports.
• Analyze soil characteristics and variability using the unedited sample point soils data and pit descriptions.
• Map historical land use and soil quality for specific sites based on the scanned paper maps at scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000.
• Study the subdivision of Grade 3 agricultural land into subgrades 3a and 3b for land assessment.

Strengths

• Original survey data collected by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, an authoritative source.
• Includes scanned original maps and reports, preserving the primary survey record.
• Some surveys include unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.
• Uses a defined grading methodology as described in the official 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' guidelines.

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 conducted between 1989 and 1999, with results recorded on paper maps and in reports.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Data collection time range is 1989 to 1999.

Geography

York: Fulford, Heslington and Dunnington (York City Local Plan area), England.