Possibilities of agricultural soils evaluation in the Czech Republic

Inthis study, the evaluation ofsoil quality was realised using the Analytic Hierarchy Process, and the obtained values were integrated with Evaluated Soil Ecological Units (BPEJs). Different maps ofthe Czech Republic were elaborated with BPEJs classified into five soil protection classes based onthe obtained model values (with orwithout the values for production potential), the ratio of80% (production potential values) to20% (model values) or60% (production potential values) to40% (model values) and 40% (production potential values) to60% (model values). The evaluation ofBPEJs based onthe mentioned criteria showed differences intheir classification into individual soil protection classes and possibilities oftheir use orwithdrawal from the agricultural land fund. Compared with the existing categorization ofBPEJs into soil protection classes (according toDecree No. 48/2011 Coll.), the use ofpresented model (plus production potential) values, the ratio of80 : 20%, 60 : 40% or40 : 60% (production potential: model) caused the numbers of BPEJs increased in those soil protection classes where the withdrawal of soils from the agricultural land fund is possible only exceptionally or it is possible to use the soils for building purposes only under certain conditions.