Agricultural Land Classification detailed Post 1988 survey ALCL07893

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, survey reports, and for some sites, unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions. It uses the grading methodology from the 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' publication and maps sites at scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000.

Use Cases

• Classify agricultural land capability based on the detailed grading methodology described in the survey reports.
• Analyze soil characteristics and limitations for specific sites using the available unedited sample point and soil pit data.
• Map historical land quality for planning and environmental impact assessments using the scanned geospatial survey maps.
• Study the subdivision of Grade 3 agricultural land into subgrades 3a and 3b for more granular land capability analysis.

Strengths

• Data is based on detailed site surveys conducted by a government ministry (MAFF) over a defined 10-year period (1989-1999).
• Includes original scanned maps and reports, providing primary source material.
• Applies a specific, documented grading methodology ('Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales').
• For some surveys, includes granular soil sample point data and pit descriptions.

Limitations

• Row count, column names, and file formats are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• Data may reflect geographic and temporal bias specific to the surveyed sites in England and Wales between 1989 and 1999.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Detailed field surveys with mapping and soil analysis.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Data collection period is 1989-1999; last update date is unknown.

Geography

Specific survey sites in England and Wales (e.g., Berwick, Jacks Law West).