Agricultural Land Classification: Detailed Post-1988 Survey Maps and Reports

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 for individual sites, with soil grading following the methodology of the 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' guidelines. Some surveys also contain unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions.

Use Cases

• Classify agricultural land capability based on detailed soil survey methodology described in the guidelines.
• Analyze spatial distribution of Grade 3a and 3b subgrades for land planning decisions.
• Integrate historical soil pit descriptions and point data for environmental impact studies.
• Map land quality at varying scales (from 1:5,000 to 1:50,000) for regional agricultural assessments.

Strengths

• Includes the subdivision of Grade 3 into subgrades 3a and 3b, providing finer detail.
• Based on the established grading methodology from the 'Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales' publication.
• Contains original scanned maps and reports, preserving the primary survey record.

Limitations

• Row count, column definitions, and file formats are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• Data collection period ended in 1999, representing historical conditions.

Provenance

Source

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF), with copyright held by Natural England and Ordnance Survey.

Collection Method

Detailed site surveys involving soil mapping and analysis, conducted between 1989 and 1999.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Last updated date is unknown.

Geography

England and Wales, specifically the Compton (Newbury LP Site 18) survey area.