WHAT IS CATION EXCHANGE CAPACITY?

Cation exchange capacity (CEC) refers to the ability of soil to hold and exchange positively charged ions (cations) like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium.

HOW IT IS IMPORTANT IN SOIL ?

It is an important measure of soil fertility and health for several reasons:

1. Nutrient Availability: CEC indicates how well soil can retain essential nutrients for plant growth. Soils with high CEC can supply more nutrients to plants.

2. Soil Structure: High CEC often correlates with better soil structure, which improves water retention and drainage, supporting healthy root systems.

3. pH Buffering: Soils with higher CEC can better buffer changes in pH, helping to maintain a stable environment for plants.

4. Environmental Protection: Soils with high CEC can help reduce leaching of nutrients and contaminants, improving water quality.

Understanding CEC helps in managing soil health and optimizing fertilization practices.