Cation exchange capacity
The ability of soil to hold and release positively charged nutrients, preventing them from leaching out of the root zone.
Также говорят: CEC, Soil exchange capacity, Cation exchange capacity of soil
Cation exchange capacity (CEC) is a critical indicator of soil fertility and its potential to retain essential nutrients. A higher CEC suggests that the soil acts as a reservoir, keeping cations like potassium, calcium, and magnesium readily available for plant uptake.
Understanding CEC is vital for effective fertilizer management. In soils with low CEC, such as sandy soils, nutrients are prone to leaching. Therefore, split applications of fertilizers are recommended to ensure a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season.
A common mistake is applying large doses of fertilizer at once on low-CEC soils, which leads to nutrient loss and environmental impact. Conversely, high-CEC soils can store more nutrients, allowing for less frequent but more intensive fertilization strategies.