Agricultural Land Classification Survey: York Region, 1989-1999

York region agricultural land classification survey 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, with soil grading following the methodology described in 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales'. Some surveys also contain unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.

Use Cases

• Classify agricultural land quality based on the detailed grading methodology described in the survey reports.
• Map soil suitability for different crops based on the Grade 3 subgrades (3a and 3b) and soil pit descriptions.
• Analyze historical land use changes by comparing scanned original maps with contemporary data.
• Support environmental impact assessments for development projects using the detailed site survey data.

Strengths

• Data collection follows a standardized national grading methodology ('Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales').
• Includes subdivision of Grade 3 land into more detailed subgrades 3a and 3b.
• Contains original scanned maps and reports, preserving historical survey detail.
• Some surveys include unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food (survey), Natural England (copyright).

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys with soil grading, mapping, and reporting.

Time Range

1989-1999

Freshness

Data collection period is 1989-1999; update frequency is unknown.

Geography

York region, specifically the Grimston Bar to Malton Road area (York City Local Plan).