Agricultural Land Classification detailed Post 1988 survey ALCR00189

Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) survey data for the Northiam and Little Doucegrove sites in England. The dataset includes scanned original paper maps and survey reports produced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food between 1989 and 1999, using grading methodology that subdivides Grade 3 land. It also contains unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions for some surveys.

Use Cases

• Classify agricultural land capability based on the detailed grading methodology described in the survey reports.
• Analyze soil characteristics and variability using the available unedited sample point soils data and pit descriptions.
• Map land quality for planning purposes based on the scanned original maps at scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000.
• Study historical land use and soil survey practices from the late 20th century based on the survey period.

Strengths

• Uses the established Agricultural Land Classification grading methodology, including subdivision of Grade 3 into subgrades 3a and 3b.
• Contains original, detailed survey materials including scanned maps and reports for specific sites.
• Includes supplementary soil data such as unedited sample points and pit descriptions for some surveys.

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 (MAFF), via Natural England and the Government Digital Service.

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys conducted by MAFF, with results compiled into maps and reports.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Survey data is from 1989-1999; the dataset's last update is unknown.

Geography

Northiam and Little Doucegrove sites in England.