Investigation,sampling and analyse were conducted to study nutrient distribution in soil profile of purplish soils of group
J 2s,J 3s,J 3p,K 1c and K 1j.Statistical analyses were used to assess soil fertility and fertility potentials compared with local land zonal soil (yellow soil).Results showed that fertility of
purplish soil was higher than that of yellow soil.Organic matter and N in profile of purplish soil decreased from topsoil (A) to layer of parent material (C) and
purplish shale (rock R),wherever K increased.Results of field experiments on effects of fertility of purplish shale(J 3p)showed,maize( Zea mays L.)yield of purplish soil with more than 55% of non weathered rock was 80% that in ordinary pruplish soil (J 3p).Furthermore,with application of organic manure (30 000 kg/ha),nitrogen(90kg/ha)and phosphorous(18kg/ha)to compensate the shortage of nutrient, the yield of maize in experimental purplish soil was almost the same as that of loamy purplish soil with high fertility.It was concluded that purplish shale was the most important and abundant nutrient (especially for K)source of purplish soil,and fertility potential of purplish soil was high.So,purplish shale could be utilized as resource to improve fertility of purplish soil.