Agricultural Land Classification Survey: Brandon West (Northumberland), 1989-1999

Post 1988 Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) survey data for the Brandon West site in Northumberland. The dataset includes scanned original paper maps and survey reports from detailed site surveys conducted between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions are also available for some surveys.

Use Cases

• Classify agricultural land capability based on the detailed grading methodology described in the survey reports.
• Analyze soil characteristics and land quality for specific sites using the unedited sample point soils data.
• Map historical land use potential at varying scales (from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000) for regional planning.
• Compare subgrades within Grade 3 agricultural land (3a and 3b) for precision agriculture or conservation studies.

Strengths

• Includes detailed subdivision of Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b.
• Original survey maps and reports scanned and preserved, providing primary source material.
• Surveys conducted using a consistent, documented grading methodology over a defined period (1989-1999).

Limitations

• Row count, column definitions, and file formats are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• Data is derived from scanned paper maps, which may require digitization for modern GIS analysis.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys with soil analysis, mapping, and report generation.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

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

Geography

Brandon West, Northumberland, England