Black Solodized Solonetz (BL.SS)
Common horizon sequence: Ah, Ae, Bnt or Bn, Csk
Soils of this subgroup have a solonetzic B horizon as defined for the Solonetzic order and the properties specified for the Solodized Solonetz great group. They are associated mainly with mesophytic grass and forb vegetation and a subhumid climate. However, they also occur in areas of discontinuous shrub and tree vegetation with a ground cover of forbs and grasses. Differential erosion of the A horizon, which is common in areas of Brown and Dark Brown Solodized Solonetzs, seldom occurs in these soils.
Black Solodized Solonetzs have an Ah, Ahe, or Ap horizon with color values lower than 3.5 dry and chromas usually lower than 2 dry. They have Ae and solonetzic B horizons as specified for the great group. They do not have faint to distinct mottles that indicate gleying within the upper 50 cm.
Note: Diagnostic horizons are underlined.