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Chapter 18: Problem 9

What are soil colloids? How are they related to cations and anions in the soil? Explain cation-exchange capacity.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Soil colloids are small soil particles with a negative charge which allows them to attract cations, such as essential nutrients. They repel anions due to their negative charge. Cation-exchange capacity is the measure of a soil's ability to retain and supply cations to plant roots.

Step by step solution

01

Define Soil Colloids

Soil colloids are very small particles of soil. They have a negative charge, which allows them to absorb and hold on to positively charged particles, also known as cations.
02

Relation to Cations and Anions

Since soil colloids have a negative charge, they attract positively charged particles - known as cations. This includes essential nutrients such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. At the same time, they repel negatively charged particles - known as anions.
03

Explain Cation-Exchange Capacity

Cation-exchange capacity (CEC) is the total capacity of a soil to hold exchangeable cations. It is a very important soil property influencing soil structure stability, nutrient availability, soil pH and the soil's reaction to fertilisers and other amendments.

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