Cation Exchange Capacity

Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) is a measure of a soil's ability to hold and exchange positively charged ions, known as cations, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for plant growth. A higher CEC means the soil can retain more of these nutrients, making it more fertile. CEC is influenced by the soil's texture and organic matter content. In practical terms, understanding CEC helps farmers and gardeners improve soil health and make better decisions about fertilization and crop management, leading to healthier plants and improved yields.