Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)

Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) measures a soil’s ability to retain and exchange positively charged nutrients, known as cations, like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Think of it as the soil’s sponge, capable of holding onto essential nutrients for plants. A higher CEC indicates the soil can hold more nutrients and supply them to plant roots over time, promoting healthy growth. It depends on the soil’s mineral and organic content; soils rich in clay and organic matter generally have higher CEC. Understanding CEC helps determine soil fertility and how well a soil can support plant health.