ALCR00290: Detailed Agricultural Land Classification Survey Maps and Reports, 1989-1999

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 and survey reports for individual sites, with land graded using the methodology from the 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' guidelines. Some surveys also contain unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.

Use Cases

• Model historical agricultural land quality based on detailed site survey reports.
• Analyze soil characteristics and classification grades based on unedited sample point data.
• Map land capability for agriculture using scanned original maps at scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000.
• Study the subdivision of Grade 3 agricultural land into subgrades 3a and 3b.

Strengths

• Uses the established grading methodology from the 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' guidelines.
• Includes original survey materials such as scanned paper maps and reports for detailed sites.
• Some surveys contain unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.

Limitations

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

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys with mapping and soil analysis, following official ALC methodology.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Survey data covers 1989-1999; last update date is unknown.

Geography

England and Wales, specifically sites named Chalgrove and Rofford Hall.