ALCR02896: Agricultural Land Classification Survey Maps and Reports

Survey data collected between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food for detailed Agricultural Land Classification. Original scanned paper maps and survey reports for individual sites are included, with some surveys also containing unedited soil sample point data and pit descriptions. The data is provided by Natural England and contains Ordnance Survey data.

Use Cases

• Analyze historical agricultural land quality based on detailed land classification grades.
• Map soil characteristics for specific sites based on available soil pit descriptions and sample point data.
• Compare land grading methodologies using the referenced 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' guidelines.
• Assess land suitability for agricultural development based on the subdivision of Grade 3 into subgrades 3a and 3b.

Strengths

• Survey data uses the current grading methodology as described in the official Agricultural Land Classification guidelines.
• Includes subdivision of Grade 3 into subgrades 3a and 3b for more detailed analysis.
• Some surveys contain unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.

Limitations

• Row count, column names, and file formats are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• Individual sites were mapped at varying scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000, which may affect consistency.

Provenance

Source

Government Digital Service

Collection Method

Scanned original paper maps and survey reports from detailed site surveys.

Time Range

1989-1999

Geography

Individual sites in England and Wales, specifically Coxheath, Clock House Farm (Maidstone BLP Site 95)