Agricultural Land Classification detailed Post 1988 survey ALCR03698

Natural England's Kingsdown Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) survey provides detailed site data from 1989 to 1999. The dataset includes scanned original paper maps, survey reports, and for some sites, unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions. Surveys use the grading methodology from the 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' guidelines and were conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Use Cases

• Classify agricultural land capability based on the detailed grading methodology described in the survey reports.
• Analyze soil characteristics and variability using the available unedited sample point data and soil pit descriptions.
• Map historical land quality for comparative studies against modern land use or climate change impacts.
• Support land-use planning decisions by referencing the original, detailed survey maps at scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000.

Strengths

• Includes the subdivision of Grade 3 land into more detailed subgrades 3a and 3b.
• Provides original, detailed survey materials including scanned maps and reports.
• Surveys were conducted using a standardized national grading methodology.

Limitations

• Row count, column names, and file formats are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• Data may reflect temporal and methodological bias inherent to the 1989-1999 survey period.

Provenance

Source

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; Natural England.

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys involving soil mapping and analysis, following the national ALC guidelines.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

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

Geography

Kingsdown, England (specific site location).