Classic method vs. soil quality index in evaluating soil quality.

The purpose of the paper has been of elaborating an index of soil quality, that would take into account only the intrinsic soil parameters, and reducing the complexity of the soil evaluation systems used at the moment. The purpose of such an index is to offer useful information, in short time and with reduced costs. A second aspect was that of comparing such an index with the classic method of terrain evaluation used in Romania, and see if there is any correlation among the two systems. The conclusions show that because of taking into consideration different parameters, the two methods have different areas of applicability. The classic method is recommended for terrain evaluation, while the soil quality index can be used as a quick tool to evaluate soil quality and the changes that might occur following different management practices.