ALCR00694: Detailed Agricultural Land Classification Survey Maps and Reports, 1989-1999

Scanned original paper maps and survey reports for detailed agricultural land classification surveys conducted in England and Wales between 1989 and 1999. The data was produced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and includes soil pit descriptions and unedited sample point data for some sites. Surveys use the grading methodology from the 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' guidelines and map land quality at scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000.

Use Cases

• Classifying agricultural land capability based on the detailed grading methodology described in the survey reports.
• Analyzing historical soil characteristics and variability based on the available soil pit descriptions and sample point data.
• Mapping land quality changes over time by comparing this historical survey data with more recent classifications.
• Assessing site-specific land suitability for agricultural development based on the detailed subgrade mapping (e.g., 3a vs 3b).

Strengths

• Provides detailed land classification using the established national grading methodology for England and Wales.
• Includes subdivision of Grade 3 into subgrades 3a and 3b for more granular analysis.
• Contains supplementary soil data such as pit descriptions and sample points for some surveys.

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 and reports from a specific time period (1989-1999), which may reflect temporal and methodological bias.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys conducted by government agencies, with results recorded on paper maps and reports that were later scanned.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

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

Geography

England and Wales, specifically the Newbury, Wash Water (Newbury LP Site 53) survey area.