Agricultural Land Classification detailed Post1988 survey ALCL14294

Post-1988 Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) site survey data from detailed 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 some surveys also containing unedited sample point soils data and soil pit descriptions. It is provided by the Government Digital Service and is subject to copyright from Natural England and Ordnance Survey.

Use Cases

• Classifying agricultural land capability based on the detailed grading methodology described in the survey reports.
• Analyzing soil characteristics and variability using the available unedited sample point data and pit descriptions.
• Mapping historical land quality at a local scale for land-use planning or environmental impact assessments.
• Studying the subdivision of Grade 3 agricultural land into subgrades 3a and 3b for more granular analysis.

Strengths

• Data is based on detailed site surveys conducted by a government ministry (MAFF) between 1989 and 1999.
• Surveys use a defined and documented grading methodology ('Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales').
• Includes scanned original maps and reports, preserving the primary survey materials.
• Some surveys contain additional unedited soils data and soil pit descriptions.

Limitations

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

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Detailed field surveys with maps and reports, later digitized/scanned.

Time Range

1989 to 1999

Freshness

Surveys were conducted between 1989 and 1999; the dataset's last update is unknown.

Geography

England and Wales, with a specific survey for Hexham, east (Tynedale)