ALCR02494: Detailed Agricultural Land Classification Survey for Newbury, 1989-1999

Post-1988 Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) survey data for the Newbury, Aldermarston Wharf site, collected by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The dataset includes scanned original paper maps, survey reports, and for some surveys, unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions. Surveys were conducted between 1989 and 1999, using the grading methodology from the 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' guidelines.

Use Cases

• Classifying agricultural land capability based on the detailed ALC grading methodology described.
• Analyzing soil characteristics and variability using the available unedited sample point soils data.
• Mapping land use suitability for planning purposes based on the scanned original paper maps.
• Historical comparison of land quality assessments from the late 20th century.

Strengths

• Includes the subdivision of Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b, providing finer detail.
• Contains original scanned maps and reports, preserving the primary survey record.
• Some surveys include unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.

Limitations

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

Provenance

Source

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (survey), Natural England (copyright).

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys, including soil analysis and mapping at scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Data collection occurred between 1989 and 1999; update frequency is unknown.

Geography

Newbury, Aldermarston Wharf (Newbury LP Site 7), England.