Includes all the normal agricultural buildings as well as other permanent structures. Active mineral workings and refuse tips also fall under this category as the land can be easily restored after use. Known as a ‘soft’ use this is commonly referred to areas such as golf courses, private parklands, public open spaces and sports fields. This is land which can be returned relatively easily to agriculture. This is due to the fact that the land is hard to restore after use. Most ALC Maps are based on the principles of the Agricultural Land Classification System of England & Wales.Īs mentioned in the Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales document, “small, discrete areas of a different ALC grade may be identified on large scale maps, whereas on smaller-scale maps it may only be feasible to show the predominant grade.”Īs well as the grades above, there are other descriptions of other land categories used on ALC maps:Īreas within an urban area such as housing, industry, commerce, education, religious buildings and cemeteries are known as ‘hard’ use because of the little potential for a return to agricultural land. These ALC assessments are then used to support planning decisions. This information is combined with climatic and other data to produce an ALC map and report.
The only way to accurately determine the agricultural grade of the land is by getting a detailed field survey. For more information on the uses of Agricultural land classification (ALC) call 01509 670 570 to discuss your survey requirements with one of our Consultants. Land grades are determined by ALC survey carried out to current (post 1988) guidelines and in accordance with Natural England (Technical Information Note 049). The ALC framework is used to classify agricultural land in England and Wales and referred to in National Planning Policy which protects ‘best and most versatile’ land – Grades 1, 2 and Subgrade 3a. This land has severe limitations which restricts use to permanent pasture or rough grazing, except for occasional pioneer forage crops. Grade 5: Very Poor Quality Agricultural Land Very droughty arable land is also included in this land grade. In moist climates grass yields are likely to be moderate to high but there are often difficulties in utilisation. This land is mainly suited to grass with occasion arable crops – the yields of which are variable. Land included within this grade suffers severe limitations that significantly restrict the range and/or yield of crops to be grown. This land is capable of producing moderate yields of a narrow range of crops (mainly cereals and grass) or lower yields of a wider range of crops, or high yields of grass (for grazing/harvesting). Subgrade 3b: Moderate Quality Agricultural Land cereals, grass, oilseed rape, potatoes, sugar beet and less demanding horticultural crops). cereals) or moderate yields of a wide range of crops (e.g. This is land that is capable of consistently producing moderate to high yields of a narrow range of arable crops (e.g. Subgrade 3a: Good Quality Agricultural Land The yield of more demanding crops grown on this land is generally lower or more variable than on Grade 1 and 2. This land has moderate limitations that affect the choice of crops to be grown, timing and type of cultivation, harvesting or yield.
This land is high yielding but may be lower or more variable than Grade 1. winter harvested vegetables and arable root crops. It can support a wide range of agricultural and horticultural crops but there can be some reduced flexibility on land within the grade, which causes difficulty in the production of more demanding crops e.g.
This land has minor limitations which affect crop yield, cultivations or harvesting. Grade 2: Very Good Quality Agricultural Land This land can support a very wide range of agricultural and horticultural crops including top fruit, soft fruit salad crops and winter harvested vegetables. Land within this grade has little to no limitations to agricultural use. Grade 1: Excellent Quality Agricultural Land The grades are numbered 1 to 5, with Grade 3 divided into two Subgrades (3a and 3b). This system classifies land into five grades according to the extent to which physical or chemical characteristics impose long term limitations on the agricultural use of a site for food production. Agricultural land is graded using the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) system.
0 kommentar(er)
