ALCR10994: Detailed Agricultural Land Classification Survey for Downton, 1989-1999

Post 1988 Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) site survey data for Downton Manor Farm in Hampshire. The dataset includes scanned original paper maps and survey reports for sites surveyed in detail between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food. Unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions are also available for some surveys.

Use Cases

• Classify agricultural land quality based on the grading methodology described in the 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' report.
• Analyze soil characteristics and land suitability for farming based on unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.
• Map historical land grades, including the subdivision of Grade 3 into subgrades 3a and 3b, for regional planning.
• Compare land classification over time using detailed surveys conducted between 1989 and 1999.

Strengths

• Includes the subdivision of Grade 3 into subgrades 3a and 3b, providing more granular classification.
• Contains unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions for some surveys.
• Surveys were conducted using a consistent grading methodology as described in the official government guidelines.

Limitations

• Row count and file size are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Data may reflect geographic and temporal bias inherent to the specific survey sites and the 1989-1999 period.

Provenance

Source

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; Natural England; Ordnance Survey.

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys involving soil analysis and mapping by government agencies.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Geography

Downton, Downton Manor Farm, Hampshire, England.