Cation Exchange Capacity
Definition
A measure of a soil's ability to hold and exchange positively charged nutrient ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, NH4+). Soils with high CEC (heavy clays, humus-rich soils) retain more nutrients; sandy soils have low CEC and require more frequent fertilization.
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Explore Plant Species
See how the concept of "Cation Exchange Capacity" applies across different plant species.