Dark Brown Solonetz (DB.SZ)

Common horizon sequence: Ah, Bn or Bnt, Csk

Soils of this subgroup have a solonetzic B horizon as defined for the Solonetzic order and the properties specified for the Solonetz great group. They are associated with mesophytic grasses and forbs in a semiarid climate. Areas of Dark Brown Solonetzs often have patchy microrelief caused by differential erosion of the A horizon. However, bare eroded pits are not as common as in areas of Brown Solonetzs.

Dark Brown Solonetzs have either an Ah, Ahe, or Ap horizon with color values lower than 3.5 moist and 3.5-4.5 dry, or an exposed solonetzic B horizon. Chromas of the surface horizon are usually higher than 1.5 dry. The soils have neither strongly alkaline (pH of 8.5 or more) A horizons nor faint to distinct mottles that indicate gleying within the upper 50 cm.

Note: Diagnostic horizons are underlined.

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