Solonchak

Solonchak is the Russian name for saline soil. Also Solontschak - an arid soil type with ASA GC profile. The salinities are highly variable, but greater than 0.3 %; the soil pH is in the alkaline range, usually less than pH 8.5 as natural vegetation only salt-loving plants or halophytes occur.

In a Na - saturation of the exchanger <15% a Solonchak occurs at higher sodium contents solo network ( sodium floor). Transitions are referred to as salt - sodium floors.

Genesis of Solonchak

Low precipitation rate, a long duration of sunshine, high temperatures in the annual average, steady winds and a salty underground with connection to the groundwater favors the capillary rise of salts that form the Solonchak. In the Austrian National Park Lake Neusiedl Solonchak and solonietz floors have emerged since the Ice Age. Main component of the A horizon is sodium carbonate (soda).