The soils from the Subcarpathian Depression of Oltenia (the area between Oltet and Motru ( are the result of soil shaping processes specific to natural conditions. The dominant soils are the luvisoils and the cambisoils. Along these, on restraint areas we distinguish soils that are from the same classes but which colors vary; they are red on more or less on all control area. This paper covers the red soils in the Subcarpathian Depression of Oltenia (the area between Oltet and Motru) with regards to: - The surfaces covered by red soils; - The causes of the rubefaction process; - The main red soil (subtype level). Morpho-phisical-chemical characteristics and their distribution in the Romanian Taxonomy System; - The production potential of the red soils. The researches were organized and conducted by the Pedological and Agrochemical Institute Gorj. On the field, the research activity was done in an expeditionary system and consisted of: - execution of soil profiles; - drawing soil samples; - individualizing red type of soil on the working plans. The soil samples were analized in the Institute laboratories as in the ICPA Bucuresti methodology and the integration of the soils in the Roumain Clasification System was made on SRTS 2012. Fallowing the research in expeditionary system there were identified red soil an area of 6250 Ha: soil evaluated in natural different conditions. According to the solification rocks we can two groups of red soils: - Soils that have evolued on granite rocks; - Soils that have evolued on limestones; The favorability of these types of soils is the following: - Red soils that have evolued on granite rocks: The species with deep roots (fruit trees and grapevines) have a good to medium favorability, while the crops have medium to low favorability. The indicators that decrease the final scoring are the mould content and the reaction of the soil. - Red soils that have evolued limestones: The species with deep roots have a medium favorability, while the crops have low and very low favorability. The indicators that decrease the final scoring are the temperature, the mould reserve and last but not least the acidity. The presented results partial research.

soil shaping, color, rubefaction process, subtype, potential

Presentation: oral