Agricultural Land Classification detailed Post 1988 survey ALCL09098

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. Surveys use the grading methodology from the 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' guidelines.

Use Cases

• Classify agricultural land capability based on the detailed survey methodology and subgrade divisions mentioned in the description.
• Analyze historical soil data and land quality trends based on the unedited sample point and soil pit data.
• Integrate scanned map data with modern GIS layers for land use change analysis based on the geospatial nature of the surveys.
• Validate or calibrate land classification models using the original survey reports and grading methodology.

Strengths

• Data is based on detailed site surveys conducted by a government ministry (MAFF) between 1989 and 1999.
• Includes subdivision of Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b, providing finer detail.
• Some surveys include unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.

Limitations

• Row count, column names, and file formats are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• Data consists of scanned paper maps and reports; digitization and consistency may vary.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Detailed agricultural land classification surveys of individual sites, with maps scanned from original paper copies.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Historical data from surveys conducted 1989-1999; last update unknown.

Geography

England and Wales, specifically sites including Barnetby Le Wold and Kettleby Quarry Extension.