(white alkali soil) A type of intrazonal infertile * soil with a high salt content (halomorphic). It is found in arid and semiarid inland regions and in areas where sea spray has blown inland resulting in the deposition of salt. The evaporation of the surface water results in salts from the underlying layers being drawn upwards and deposited on the surface. Solonchaks are usually associated with lime-rich soils (* pedocals ) and are commonly found in dry continental interiors. If leaching occurs either through heavier rainfall or by irrigation, the salts are washed down into the Β horizon thus giving rise to a solonetz soil. If there is continued leaching and improved drainage a soloth or solod is formed, which is weakly acid. |
