Ickham Agricultural Land Classification Survey: Detailed Soil Maps and Reports 1989-1999

Scanned original paper maps and survey reports for the Ickham site detail Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) grades, including the subdivision of Grade 3 into subgrades 3a and 3b. The data was collected by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food between 1989 and 1999 using the methodology described in the 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' guidelines. Unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions are also available for some of these surveys.

Use Cases

• Classify agricultural land capability based on the detailed ALC grading methodology described in the survey reports.
• Analyze historical soil quality and land suitability for planning purposes using the scanned maps and soil pit descriptions.
• Train models for land classification using the unedited sample point soils data mentioned as available for some surveys.

Strengths

• Includes the subdivision of Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b, providing finer detail.
• Original survey data from a defined period (1989-1999) conducted by a government ministry.
• Contains multiple data types: scanned maps, reports, and for some surveys, point soils data and pit descriptions.

Limitations

• Row count and column definitions are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• Maps were created at varying scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000, which may affect consistency.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys conducted between 1989 and 1999, with results captured in original paper maps and reports that were later scanned.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

null

Geography

Ickham site, England (UK)