LandGate’s property report provides information about the different land categories that are present on a property. Understanding the different land categories present and how the estimated value is assigned to the different categories is important for understanding property value and discovering opportunities to increase property value. In this resource, we will explore the various land categories provided in LandGate's property reports and their implications for landowners.
Keep in mind that these values vary in different locations. For example, pasture land in an arid location would likely receive a lower relative value than pasture land in a traditionally forested or very wet location, where a higher relative value would be warranted.
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Cropland Land Category
Cropland refers to land that is used primarily for the cultivation of crops. These are areas where the soil is prepared and maintained for growing various plants that produce food, fiber, biofuel, medicinal plants, and other products used to sustain and enhance human life.
Types of Cropland
Arable Land: This is land that is plowed or tilled regularly and is used to grow annual crops, which are replanted after each harvest. Examples include wheat, maize, rice, and vegetables.
Permanent Cropland: Land used for growing crops that do not need to be replanted after each harvest. These include orchards, vineyards, coffee plantations, and rubber plantations.
Characteristics of Cropland
Soil Fertility: The ability of soil to sustain plant growth by providing essential nutrients.
Irrigation: Systems to supply water to crops in dry areas or during periods of insufficient rainfall.
Crop Rotation: The practice of alternating the types of crops grown on a particular piece of land to maintain soil fertility and reduce pest and disease cycles.
Pest Management: Strategies used to control pests that can damage crops, including biological, chemical, and mechanical methods.
Fertilization: The application of natural or synthetic substances to soil to enhance its nutrient content.
Pastureland Land Category
Pastureland refers to land that is primarily used for the grazing of livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. Pastureland is covered with grasses and other herbaceous plants suitable for animal consumption.
Types of Pastureland
Permanent Pasture: Land that is used for grazing animals year-round or for long periods. The vegetation is perennial, meaning it regrows year after year without needing to be reseeded.
Temporary Pasture: Land that is temporarily used for grazing and often part of a crop rotation system. The vegetation may be annual or short-lived perennials that are reseeded regularly.
Characteristics of Pastureland
Vegetation: Dominated by grasses, legumes, and other forage plants that provide feed for grazing animals. The plant species can vary widely depending on the climate, soil, and management practices.
Management Practices: Includes activities such as seeding, fertilizing, mowing, and controlled grazing to maintain or improve the quality of the pasture.
Fencing: Used to manage the movement of livestock, ensuring they graze specific areas while protecting other parts of the pasture for regrowth.
Water Sources: Essential for livestock, pastureland typically includes natural or artificial water sources such as ponds, streams, or water troughs.
Woodland Land Category
Woodland refers to land covered with trees and shrubs, forming an ecosystem that supports a diverse range of plant and animal life. It is a type of forested land but generally less dense than forests, with trees spaced more widely apart, allowing sunlight to reach the ground and support a variety of undergrowth.
Types of Woodland
Deciduous Woodland: Dominated by deciduous trees, which shed their leaves annually. Examples include oak, maple, and beech woodlands.
Coniferous Woodland: Dominated by coniferous trees, which have needles and cones and are often evergreen. Examples include pine and spruce woodlands.
Mixed Woodland: Contains both deciduous and coniferous trees, offering a diverse habitat for various species.
Characteristics of Woodland
Tree Canopy: Woodland has a more open tree canopy compared to dense forests. The trees are often spaced out, allowing light to penetrate through to the forest floor.
Understory Vegetation: The ground layer is rich with shrubs, grasses, wildflowers, and young saplings that thrive in the partial shade provided by the tree canopy.
Biodiversity: Woodlands are home to a variety of plant species, including trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, as well as a wide array of wildlife such as birds, mammals, insects, and fungi.
Developed Land
Developed land refers to areas that have been significantly altered from their natural state to accommodate human activities and infrastructure. This includes both urban and rural locations where development has occurred to support residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and recreational uses.
Characteristics of Developed Land
Infrastructure: Presence of buildings, roads, bridges, utilities (water, electricity, sewage), and other structures essential for human habitation and activities.
Land Use: The land is organized and utilized for specific purposes such as residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, industrial zones, agricultural areas, and recreational spaces.
Alteration of Natural Landscape: The natural terrain, vegetation, and water bodies may be modified or removed to accommodate development needs.
Types of Developed Land
There are two main types of developed land: those in urban locations, and those in rural locations.
Urban Locations
Residential Areas: Includes single-family homes, apartment complexes, and high-rise buildings where people live. These areas often have amenities such as schools, parks, and local shops.
Commercial Areas: Zones designated for businesses, including office buildings, shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Industrial Areas: Regions allocated for manufacturing plants, warehouses, and other facilities involved in the production, processing, and distribution of goods.
Infrastructure: Includes transportation networks (roads, railways, airports), utilities (water supply, sewage systems, electricity grids), and public facilities (hospitals, schools, government buildings).
Rural Locations
Residential Settlements: Small towns, isolated homes, and farmhouses.
Agricultural Land: Areas developed for farming activities, including crop fields, orchards, vineyards, and livestock farms. These lands may include farm buildings, irrigation systems, and access roads.
Recreational Areas: Parks, golf courses, campgrounds, and other outdoor recreational facilities developed in rural settings.
Resource Extraction Sites: Areas developed for mining, quarrying, oil and gas extraction, and other resource-based activities. These sites may include equipment, access roads, and processing facilities.
Assessing Your Land Categories & Their Values
LandGate’s property report provides the unique capability of assessing relative land value to other parcels across the county, state, and country! It is important to keep in mind that these estimates are exactly that, an estimate. To provide experts the option to put their experience into the report, we have included an ‘Edit Values’ button. Market value for types of land varies depending on season, economic factors, location, and more. By using the ‘Edit Values’ button, you can alter the total price or the price per acre for specific breakdowns of property.
Another important note to keep in mind is that LandGate's developed land estimate does not include builds on the property, it is purely based on the ground value of the developed land! For example, suppose developed land on a rural piece of property is referencing a developed barn. In that case, it is not the value of the barn estimated but rather the amount of acres the development takes up. That is why it is important to remember that if you plan on listing a property that has a building developed, mention details about that in the listing description!
