Salinity problems of some Quaternary soils in the central Anatolia region of Turkey

Chemical, physical and morphological properties of six typical quaternary soil in the Kizilirmak Plain of Cankin and in the Closed Lake Basin of Kayseri, were researched to understand salination. The most important pedogenic process is salt translocation and accumulation in these soils. The salty underground waters have influenced the chemistry and morphology of soils. The extensive salt crystals in the A horizons of soils suggest that they have never undergone extensive leaching and are currently undergoing salination. The soluble salt contents of soils were calculated very high and change between 0.46 and 3.05%. Two sources exist for the salt present in the study area: the salty underground water and minerals weathering in the till. The high Na and Cl content in the A horizon are related to salt accumulation. Exchangeable Ca and Mg account for >95% of the exchangeable complex as a result of dissolution of carbonates and possible weathering of feldspar.