sci.soil-cation-exchange-capacity Calculator
Calculates soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) in cmol/kg from ammonium acetate method and estimates buffering capacity against acidification. CEC > 25 cmol/kg: high (montmorillonite clay, organic matter) — CEC < 5 cmol/kg: low (sandy, weathered soil) — high CEC retains plant nutrients and buffers pH change.
Inputs
- Cec Cmol Kg
- Maximum throughput or storage. Operating near 100% capacity typically increases failures and wait times.
- Base Sat Pct
- Reference formula or conversion factor shown for context.
- Ph Water
- Reference formula or conversion factor shown for context.
Results
- base cation capacity (cmol/kg)
- The value at the specified point or condition.
- acid cation (H+Al) capacity (cmol/kg)
- The value at the specified point or condition.
- estimated lime requirement (t/ha)
- The value at the specified point or condition.
- BS = base cations / CEC × 100%
- The value at the specified point or condition.
- CEC classification
- Category assigned based on where the computed value falls on a defined scale. Check which standard or guideline defines these boundaries.
- pH target
- pH of the solution. Below 7: acidic. 7: neutral. Above 7: basic (alkaline).
cation acid capacity exchange soil