Assessment Indicators of Soil Quality in Loess Gullied Hilly Region of China

Agricultural soil quality evaluation is essential for economic success and environmental stability in Loess gullied hilly region of China. The objective of this study was to develop a suitable soil index from the existence soil indices which were suitable for Loess gullied hilly region of China. A simplified indicator system of soil quality evaluation has been established. Selected soil parameters include aggregation rate, soil organic matter, total N, available P, available K, CaCO₃, catalase and invertase. The proposed simplified soil quality index incorporates all important properties of soils mainly physical, fertility and healthy, which are able to give adequate information on the soil quality status. Match analysis showed a high linear correlation between simplified indicator system and original indicator system. In conclusion, the proposed simplified indicator system for soil quality evaluation of different land-use type will help soil quality evaluator to study and describe the current quality status.