Two-Dimensional Distribution of the Properties of Vertic Solonetz with Gilgai Microtopography in the Kamennaya Steppe

Abstract

A specific swelling clayey strongly alkaline soil with gilgai microtopography is characterized. The profile of this soil displays diagnostic features of both Solonetzes and Vertisols. In the Russian soil classification system, it is classified as a crusty quasigley slitic (vertic) sulfate–sodic clayey dark solonetz. In the WRB-2015 system, it can be defined as a Nudinatric Vertic Stagnic Protosalic Solonetz (Clayic, Columnic, Cutanic, Humic, Hypernatric). The area with this soil is found on the northern spurs of the Kalach Upland in the Kamennaya Steppe (Talovskii district of Voronezh oblast). Data on the particle-size distribution, soil density, composition of extracts from water-saturated pastes, and the content of exchangeable cations in the soil profile are analyzed. The 2D distribution of the morphological features indicated by symbols of the soil diagnostic horizons and features is presented. Data on the contents of organic carbon and calcium carbonates; the activities of sodium, calcium, and chloride ions and their ratios; the contents of oxalate- and dithionite-soluble iron compounds and their ratios, and the swelling capacity of ground samples are also presented. Three levels of morphologically manifested deformation structures are identified in the soil profile. Their impact on the spatial distribution of the physical and chemical properties is discussed.