Agricultural Land Classification detailed Post 1988 survey ALCR20794

England and Wales agricultural land classification data from detailed site surveys conducted between 1989 and 1999 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The dataset includes scanned original paper maps and survey reports, with land graded according to the official methodology, including subdivisions of Grade 3. Survey scales range from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000, and some surveys include unedited soil sample point data and pit descriptions.

Use Cases

• Modeling historical agricultural land suitability based on the detailed land grading methodology.
• Analyzing soil characteristics and variability using the available unedited sample point soils data.
• Mapping land quality changes over time by comparing this survey data with more recent classifications.
• Planning agricultural development or conservation projects based on historical land capability assessments.

Strengths

• Uses the official grading methodology described in 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales'.
• Includes subdivision of Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b for finer detail.
• Contains original scanned maps and reports, preserving the primary survey record.
• Some surveys include unedited soil sample point data and soil pit descriptions.

Limitations

• Row count and file formats are 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 (survey), Natural England (copyright holder).

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys, mapping, and soil sampling.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Data collection period is 1989-1999; last updated date is unknown.

Geography

England and Wales, specifically the Lewknor A (M40 Services 3) survey site.