What does CEC stand for?

Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) is a crucial soil property that reflects the soil's ability to hold and exchange cations, which are positively charged ions such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. This characteristic is critical in understanding soil fertility and nutrient management because it directly influences how well the soil can supply essential nutrients to plants.

The capacity of the soil to retain and exchange these cations depends on its texture, structure, and organic matter content. Soils with high CEC have a greater ability to retain and supply nutrients, thus enhancing plant growth and productivity. Understanding CEC is vital for effective fertilization practices, as it can guide the selection of fertilizers and their application rates based on the soil's nutrient-holding capacity.

In contrast to the other options, which refer to different concepts unrelated to soil fertility, Cation Exchange Capacity specifically relates to the nutrient dynamics in soil and is an essential consideration in agricultural practices and environmental management.