Pedogenesis of a solodized solonetz, based on duplicate soil profiles

Abstract

Physical and chemical analyses of duplicate soil profile samples of a solodized solonetz, taken at sites 1.2 m apart, revealed some sizable differences in composition. These differences were most pronounced between the two lots of clay-sized fractions. Analytical results for zirconium indicated differences between the parent materials of the supposed A and B horizons. This suggested that the horizons were not pedogenic. All observations made on the soil are in accord with an hypothesis that its A and B horizons are no more than the end-products of the weathering of distinct sedimentary layers.