Page 147 - E-BOOK English
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Profile features
Solonetz has a surface horizon, which is dark coloured and humus-rich. Soil aggregate
dispersion as a result of the presence of salts causes a clay-poorer surface soil over a clay-richer natric
horizon that has mostly a columnar or prismatic structure. Solonetz, with proper development,
the lower part a calcic or gypsic horizon may be presented below the natric horizon.
Environment and landforms
Solonetz occurs in arid and semi-arid regions. They are found in low-lying parts of the
landscape, often in association with Solonchaks surroundings saline lakes. The natural vegetation
is mainly composed of halophytes and grasses.
Use and management
The suitability of virgin Solonetz for agricultural use is addressed almost entirely by the
depth and properties of the surface soil. A humus-rich surface soil (> 25 cm) is necessary for
crop production. However, most Solonetz have a much thinner surface horizon and are subject
to losing the surface horizon.
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