Tongham Agricultural Land Classification Survey: Detailed Soil Maps and Reports, 1989-1999

Post-1988 Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) survey data for the Tongham site, collected between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The dataset includes scanned original paper maps and reports, with land graded from 1 to 5, including subdivisions of Grade 3 into 3a and 3b. Unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions are also available for some surveys.

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 historical land quality for environmental or planning studies using the scanned geospatial maps at scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000.

Strengths

• Includes detailed subdivision of Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b, providing finer granularity.
• Contains original survey materials, including scanned maps and reports, for a specific site surveyed between 1989 and 1999.
• Some surveys include unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.

Limitations

• Row count, column definitions, and file formats are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• Maps were created at varying scales and levels of detail, which may affect consistency.

Provenance

Source

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

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

Survey data is from 1989-1999; last update date for the digital record is unknown.

Geography

Tongham, England (specific site)