Solonetzic Black Chernozem (SZ.BLC)
Common horizon sequence: Ah, Ae, Btnj, or Btjnj, Cs or Ck
These soils have the general properties specified for the Chernozemic order and the Black Chernozem great group. They differ from Orthic Black Chernozems by having properties indicative of intergrading to the Solonetzic order. Specifically, they have a Bnj, Btjnj, or Btnj horizon and may have Ae, AB, and saline C horizons. The B horizon usually has prismatic structure and hard consistence. The prisms usually break to blocky secondary structural units with shiny, dark coatings. The eluvial horizon that occurs in some Solonetzic Black Chernozems may be similar to that described for the Eluviated Black Chernozem subgroup. Solonetzic Black Chernozems are usually associated with saline materials. Thus, their B horizons usually have a higher proportion of exchangeable Na or Na and Mg than is characteristic of Orthic Black Chernozems.
Note: Diagnostic horizons are underlined.