SOME PROPERTIES OF SOLONETZIC (SODIC) SOILS IN WESTERN NORTH DAKOTA

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Abstract
The Rhoades and Wade series of two Solonetzic (Sodic) soil associations in the Chestnut great soil group (Mollisols) in western North Dakota were characterized with respect to chemical and physical properties. Infiltration and vegetative growth were directly proportional to thickness of A horizons and inversely related to exchangeable Na percentage (ESP) of the claypan. The impervious claypan in Rhoades frequently had < 15 ESP but lower horizons had higher ESP values. The claypan and lower horizons of Wade usually had ESP's > 15. Concentration of adsorbed cations in claypan layers of both associations were Mg > Ca > Na > H. The H was present only in the upper few centimeters. The principal soluble salts of the Rhoades association were sulfates of Na, Mg, and Ca listed in decreasing order of occurrence, with total concentration usually < 120 meq/liter of saturation extract. Soluble salts of the Wade association greatly exceeded those found in Rhoades; the Wade series contained nearly equal concentrations of Na and Mg sulfates. The results suggest that remedial treatment on Rhoades soil should consist of deep plowing to destroy the claypan and to include calcareous subsoil. Gypsum or sulfur might also be beneficial. The reclamation of Wade soil will require additional and more intensive treatments.

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