Methods for Comprehensive Quality Assessment of Rural Environment and Empirical Research

Comprehensive quality assessment of rural environment means great significance to guiding management of rural environment. The main methods currently available for quality assessment of rural environment were compared in terms of advantages and disadvantages. In the light of characteristics of the rural environment and present requirements for monitoring and management of rural environment, a comprehensive index method was suggested for adoption in comprehensive quality assessment of rural environment. Based on the assessment index system, methods for calculation of rural environmental quality indices and criteria for grading of the indices were brought forth and applied to demonstration in Yixing. Results show that this method is practicable and can be used as technical support to the government in managing the rural environment.