Agricultural Land Classification detailed Post 1988 survey ALCR03689

Natural England's Sevington (Ashford BLP) Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) survey contains detailed site data from 1989 to 1999. The dataset includes scanned original paper maps and survey reports, with land graded using the methodology from 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales'. Some surveys also contain unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.

Use Cases

• Classify agricultural land capability based on the detailed grading methodology described in the survey reports.
• Analyze soil characteristics and variability using the unedited sample point soils data and pit descriptions.
• Map land quality at a regional scale using the geospatial survey data, which includes the subdivision of Grade 3 into subgrades 3a and 3b.
• Study historical land use and soil survey practices from the late 20th century based on the scanned original documents.

Strengths

• Uses the established grading methodology from the 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' reference document.
• Includes subdivision of Grade 3 land into more detailed subgrades 3a and 3b.
• Contains original scanned maps and reports, preserving the detail of the primary survey work.

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), now Natural England.

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys conducted by MAFF, with results captured in paper maps and reports that were later scanned.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

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

Geography

Sevington, Ashford, England (specific site survey area).