In the central Algarve different soils have developed dependent on petrography of the parent material, slope position and recent erosion. The general patterns of occurrence and distribution of different soils are described. Some different soils are described as examples with their chemical and physical properties. The water budget of soils is described in general with considerations concerning ground water recharge and runoff as well as in dependence of climate and of different site conditions. The age of a Rhodic Nitisol derived from dolomite is estimated and the relation between soil and parent material is investigated. The site qualities have been investigated with respect to groundwater recharge, runoff and suitability for agricultural use with and without irrigation.