The system used in Russia to identify soil salinization based on depth
, the bedding of the upper boundary of the salt horizon, the compositi
on of the salts, and the extent of salinization is discussed. The need
to revise the series of concepts concerning identification of saline
soils is demonstrated in conjunction with their inventory in the Land
Cadastre of Russia. The geography and diversity of saline soils in Rus
sia are shown. Information is presented on areas occupied by saline so
ils within agricultural lands with regard to oblasts and economic dist
ricts of Russia.