THE NATURE AND DISTRIBUTION OF SALTS IN UNCULTIVATED SALINE SOILS IN SASKATCHEWAN

Abstract

Investigations were undertaken to ascertain the relative abundance of various salts in uncultivated saline soils occurring in southern Saskatchewan. Sampling sites were selected within areas dominated by various native plant species and groups of species. One hundred and nineteen saline profiles in the Brown, Dark Brown, and Black soil zones were studied and classified into five subgroup profile types, which were usually associated in a catenary sequence. The Saline Gleyed Regosol occupied the central portion of depressional areas, followed successively by the Saline Gleysol, and the Saline Meadow, with the Saline Calcareous Chernozem occupying the perimeter of the depression and the Saline Rego Chernozem being transitional to upland soil. Nine species which commonly form extensive stands were associated in their distribution with these subgroup profile types. Analytical data from saturation extracts of samples taken from the 0–6, 6–12, 12–24, and 24–36 in. depths are discussed with reference to concentration and composition. With one exception, all samples showed a preponderance of sodium and magnesium ions. Soluble sodium percentages in extreme cases exceeded 90%. Sulphates, chlorides, and bicarbonates were present in practically all samples. While sulphate was the predominant anion, significant quantities of chlorides and bicarbonates were present in all profiles.