Is a high or low CEC more desirable for soil?

A high cation exchange capacity (CEC) is generally more desirable for soil because it reflects the soil's ability to hold and exchange essential nutrients. Soils with high CEC can retain a greater variety of cations, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium, which are vital for plant health. This characteristic enables the soil to supply nutrients effectively to plants, as high CEC soils can hold more nutrients that can be readily taken up by roots.

Moreover, high CEC soils are often more resilient to leaching, which can occur during heavy rainfall or irrigation events. This stability helps ensure a consistent supply of nutrients over time. As a result, soils with high CEC are typically more fertile and better suited for supporting diverse agricultural activities.

While the context of crop type is important for specific nutrient needs, the overarching benefit of having a high CEC is its capacity to support a healthy soil ecosystem, thus making it advantageous for a wide range of agricultural applications.