The Role of Seasonal Salt and Water Fluxes in the Genesis of Solonetzic B Horizons

Seasonal salt and water fluxes into Black Solonetz soils were evaluated at two sites in east-central Alberta. The dominant mode of moisture movement into the soil pedon was by capillary movement of water upwards from the water table. Solonization occurred in the Bntj horizons as a consequence of salt transport; the salts responsible were NaHCO3 and Na2SO4. Seasonal salt and water fluxes were identified at both research sites. From May to November when soil temperatures were above 0 °C, capillary movement and evaporation were the major mechanisms responsible for salt transport, concentration and deposition. From December to March when soil temperatures were below 0 °C water moved upwards from the water table towards the freezing zone depositing salts upon freezing.