WATER-SOLUBLE SALTS IN THE PARENT MATERIAL OF SOLONETZIC AND CHERNOZEMIC SOILS IN SASKATCHEWAN

Abstract

The B, C1 and a C2 horizon were sampled from 26 Solonetz and 35 Orthic Chernozemic profiles. Water-soluble analyses were done on all samples. Soil profiles developed from saline parent material may be in either the Solonetzic or Chernozemic Order. Eighty-eight percent of the Solonetz and 34% of the Chernozemic profiles were developed on saline C2 horizons. Seventy-three percent of the Solonetz were developed on C2 horizons that were saline and contained over 40% water-soluble sodium. No Chernozemics developed on this type of C2 material. Forty-nine percent of the Chernozemics developed on non-saline, low-sodium C2 horizons. No Solonetz profiles developed on this type of C2 horizon. This information could be used to assist in the classification of Solonetzic and Chernozemic soils. The pH of the B, C1 or C2 horizons was of no value in distinguishing between Solonetzic and Chernozemic soils.