AbstractThe distribution of water extractable and stronger bound Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, SO₄ ^2- and phosphate ions in saline, cultivated soils, developed in silt rich deposits, was measured after sufficiently long dry periods when salt enrichments occurred on the soil surface. In addition, the distribution of water extractable Cl^-, NO^- ₃ and NH⁺ ₄ was measured. The content of water extractable ions shows a strong increase from the subsoil to the topsoil. The ratio between the content of an exchangeable and a water extractable cation species decreased from the subsoil to the topsoil, and increased with increasing binding strength of the cation species in the same horizon. Sorbed SO₄ ^2- seems present only as traces, if present at all. The most samples from the plough layer have relatively high pH and 100% base saturation. Mineralogical investigation shows a low weathering degree.