The Reference Soil Group of the Solonetz accommodates soils with a dense, strongly structured, clay illuviation horizon that has a high proportion of adsorbed sodium and/or magnesium ions. The name `Solonetz' (from R. sol, salt, and etz, strongly expressed) has become somewhat confusing now that most saline soils, with or without a high proportion of adsorbed sodium ions, key out as Solonchaks in the WRB key. Solonetz that contain free soda (Na2CO3) are strongly alkaline (field pH > 8.5). Internationally, Solonetz are referred to as `alkali soils' and `sodic soils', `Sols sodiques à horizon B et Solonetz solodisés' (France), Natrustalfs, Natrustolls, Natrixeralfs, Natrargids or Nadurargids (USA) and as Solonetz (USSR, Canada, FAO).

Solonetz occur predominantly in areas with a steppe climate (dry summers and an annual precipitation sum of not more than 400 to 500 mm), in particular in flat lands with impeded vertical and lateral drainage. Smaller occurrences are found on inherently saline parent materials (e.g. marine clays or saline alluvial deposits). Worldwide, Solonetz cover some 135 million hectares. Major Solonetz areas are found in the Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Bulgaria, Rumania, China, USA, Canada, South Africa and Australia.

Solonetz occur predominantly in areas with a steppe climate (dry summers and an annual precipitation sum of not more than 400 to 500 mm), in particular in flat lands with impeded vertical and lateral drainage. Smaller occurrences are found on inherently saline parent materials (e.g. marine clays or saline alluvial deposits). Worldwide, Solonetz cover some 135 million hectares. Major Solonetz areas are found in the Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Bulgaria, Rumania, China, USA, Canada, South Africa and Australia.