ALCR07897: Post-1988 Agricultural Land Classification Survey for Isle of Wight

Original paper maps and survey reports for detailed agricultural land classification surveys conducted between 1989 and 1999 by the UK Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The data includes scanned maps at scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000, unedited soil sample point data, and soil pit descriptions for some sites. It uses the grading methodology from the 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' report, with Grade 3 land subdivided into subgrades 3a and 3b.

Use Cases

• Classify agricultural land capability based on the detailed survey methodology described.
• Analyze soil quality variations using the unedited sample point soils data mentioned.
• Map land use suitability for planning using the scanned geospatial maps at various scales.
• Study historical land classification changes in the post-1988 period covered by the surveys.

Strengths

• Includes detailed subdivision of Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b.
• Surveys were conducted at detailed scales, typically 1:10,000, with some as detailed as 1:5,000.
• Some surveys include unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.

Limitations

• Row count, column definitions, and file formats are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• Data may reflect temporal and geographic bias inherent to surveys conducted between 1989 and 1999 on specific UK sites.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys involving soil analysis and mapping, following the methodology in 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales'.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Geography

Individual sites in England and Wales, with the example site being Arreton, Hale Manor Farm on the Isle of Wight.