The conducted research studied the soil samples from a depth of 0–90 cm from vineyards and determined the soil characteristics and the corresponding classification of soil quality located in the territories of Shamakhi and Ismailli Districts, Mountainous Shirvan Region, Azerbaijan. The results revealed the soil quality index (SQI) varied with a range of 0.52–0.88. According to the SQI values, 62 out of 100 soil samples received a very suitable classification, with 25 as suitable, 11 as partially suitable, and two as unsuitable classifications. The SQI values of the analyzed samples had a significant positive correlation with the soil organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and boron (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn, Mo, and B, respectively). Meanwhile, other values enunciated significant negative correlation with the soil pH, chloride (Cl), sulfate (SO₄), and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). The results further showed the majority of soil samples at a depth of 0 cm had a fine-grained structure. At a depth of 20 cm, it was sandy-clayey; at the depth of 40–80 cm, it was fine-grained; and at the depth of 90 cm, it was sandy-clayey.

Keywords: Viticulture, soil analysis, soil composition, soil elements, soil quality index, Mountainous Shirvan

Key findings: Considering that the territory of the Upper Shirvan Region experienced soil erosion, it received proposals to apply protective tillage methods to improve the soil quality in the existing vineyards. Similarly, recommendations to apply green manure, manure, and compost manure will improve the physical structure of the soil and enhance the soil organic matter.