Why is cation-exchange capacity (CEC) an important soil characteristic?
A) CEC is an indication of the soil permeability; the lower the CEC the higher the permeability.
B) CEC is a measure of soil fertility; the higher the CEC the higher the soil fertility.
C) CEC is an indirect way to measure soil pH; it indicates whether the soil is neutral, alkaline, or acidic.
D) CEC is used to infer soil texture without having to use a soil texture triangle.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

CEC is a measure of the soil's ability to retain and exchange cations. This ability is linked to the soil's fertility because it affects the availability of nutrients to plants. Soils with a higher CEC are generally more fertile because they can hold onto more nutrients.

Why Is Cation-Exchange Capacity (CEC) an Important Soil Characteristic