The use of land capability and land suitability classifications for planning purposes in Scotland
AbstractThe Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland (DAFS) have a responsibility to comment on all proposed changes of use in agricultural land in Scotland, whether this be to urban and industrial use or to forestry. The Macaulay Institute for Soil Research, through its Department of Soil Survey, has mapped the soils of Scotland, demonstrating in the process very clear links between the underlying solid and drift geology, and soil development and land use. Two series of interpretative maps have been produced, one at 1:250 000 of the entire country and one at 1:50 000 of the arable lands. These incorporate both climatic and site factors with soil type to provide a classification of agricultural potential. This work will be implemented in Scotland by DAFS as part of their planning-related functions in 1987. This paper describes the links between geology and soil maps, and the approaches taken in both land classification compilation and application. In conclusion, the basis for land suitability maps for specific purposes, now being actively developed to provide further guidance for assessing the impact of land use change in Scotland, is described.