Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) of Soil (Leaving Cert Agricultural Science): Flashcards

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Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) of Soil
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What does CEC measure?

Soil's ability to hold positively charged nutrients (cations)

Unit for measuring CEC

cmol+/kg\text{cmol}^{+}/\text{kg}

Role of Ca2+\text{Ca}^{2+} in plants

Cell wall strength

Role of Mg2+\text{Mg}^{2+} in plants

Chlorophyll production

Role of K+\text{K}^{+} in plants

Water regulation

What increases soil CEC?

Higher clay content and higher organic matter

Most common CEC measurement method

EDTA titration method

CEC range for sandy soils

1-5 cmol+/kg\text{cmol}^{+}/\text{kg} (low nutrient holding capacity)

CEC range for clay/organic-rich soils

20 cmol+/kg\text{cmol}^{+}/\text{kg} (excellent nutrient retention)

Benefits of higher CEC

Better nutrient retention, less leaching, stable fertility

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