Agricultural Land Classification Survey: Bearsted, Cross Keys Site (1989-1999)

Post-1988 Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) survey data for the Bearsted, Cross Keys site in Maidstone. The dataset includes scanned original paper maps and reports from detailed site surveys conducted between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. It features soil grade mapping, including the subdivision of Grade 3 into subgrades 3a and 3b, and may 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 quality variations using the available unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.
• Map land use suitability for planning purposes based on the scanned original maps with scales from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000.

Strengths

• Data is based on the current grading methodology as described in the official 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' publication.
• Includes the subdivision of Grade 3 into subgrades 3a and 3b, providing finer detail for moderate quality land.
• Surveys were conducted in detail by a government ministry (MAFF) over a defined period from 1989 to 1999.

Limitations

• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys involving field mapping and soil analysis, with results captured in paper maps and reports that were later scanned.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Data collection period is 1989-1999; last update status is unknown.

Geography

Bearsted, Cross Keys site in Maidstone, England.