What is cation exchange capacity? | Understanding soil tests

[@4given-c5h]

Best non scientific, graphic explanation this soil layman has ever heard. Thanks!

[@agritecint]

Thank you!

[@TheHusbandTrophy]

54 yrs old and wishing my highschool chem teacher had used plain english like this. Thank you. Never knew the periodic table was a tool that i could use.

[@autonomous_collective]

Wow, I wish I knew this years ago. Thanks for posting.

[@agritecint]

Thanks!

[@DGibsonxio]

Tell me please, why did your little glass posing for Sandy soil contain water? Was that to signify anything?

[@bisratyemariam7803]

This is the best explanation 👌 , thank you !

[@agritecint]

Thank you!

[@mooneym.3642]

There is also Anion Exchange Capacity which varies from soil to soil and is kind of not as illuminated a subject, even though phosphate, nitrate, sulfate etc are anions and indispensable for any crop.

[@utubedude2842]

Which is more important?

[@mooneym.3642]

@@utubedude2842 Like arms and legs both are important. Albeit AEC is generally ignored. Both capacities can be increased by increasing soil organic matter and keeping the pH neutral. Its easier said than done.

[@bitTorrenter]

Aren't excessive nitrates and phosphates a bone of contention these days with rivers, ponds and canals being polluted?

[@racebiketuner]

Great stuff. Thanks.

[@agritecint]

Thank you!

[@Chris-op7yt]

but for calcium to be in solution it needs an acid? also, the often touted gold standard of soil ph is 6.5 however, you can have a neutral/basic soil that desperately needs calcium. you also see lemons growing perfectly well on lands with primarily calcitic soil. what's the real deal witj calcium? should (sink tub) fertilizer solutions for indoor plants be ph adjusted to 6.5 to make the fert more available?

[@SanurdMoya-e5r]

Wow

[@johnc6228]

Gardeners should always mail samples to get a professional soil test evaluation. It is always pronounced cat-eye-on.

[@12degreesnowman11]

How much does that cost

[@johnc6228]

@@12degreesnowman11 Online labs are $15 to $40 with many in tbe 20s. They are a relatively new thing. Your state university has been doing local soil testing for many decades. Each state has an associated university that is the county extension service where you can request a soil test, send them a sample and a filled out questionnaire and they send back a detailed report.

[@randalmoroski1184]

I’ll replay this to catch the knowledge .

[@agritecint]

So glad we could help!

[@xavierdiazmcguire4667]

soil needs its daily vitamins like we do

[@JamesMcnichol-ss2oc]

So my problem on my soil is I have a ph of 7-7.5

[@chrisnixon9752]

Why is it pronounced (cat ee on) exchange capacity but when you talk about cations you pronounce it (cat eye on)? If a cation is a (cat eye on) the shouldn't cation exchange capacity be (cat eye on) exchange capacity?

[@waynegalyen6176]

Do you have to put down lime if you use advance cal

[@dzahidardiansyah6276]

In my third world country, that advance soil test can only be done in university, even local agencies probably cant do that 😂