What is the Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) in soil and Why it is Important?

Three components of soil:

Sand – typically carry’s the lowest CEC#

Silt – typically carry’s higher numbers than sand, but lower than clay-based soils.

Clay – will usually carry the highest CEC #’s.

The Cation Exchange Capacity, or the CEC#, is a measure of the total negative charges in the soil that absorb nutrient cations (positive charges).  Remember the old adage “opposites attract?”  

What are some of the positively charged, “cations,” found in soil that are requirements for proper growth and development of anything with a root system?

• Nitrogen (N)– important for plant growth (structure), plant food processing and the creation of chlorophyll.
• Phosphorous (P) – promotes root growth and winter hardiness and often hastens maturity.
• Potassium (K) – improves root growth and improves drought resistance.
• Calcium (Ca) – strengthens the cell walls.
• Magnesium (Mg) – central core of the chlorophyll molecule.
• Boron (B) – cell wall formation, maintenance of structural and functional integrity of biological membranes, movement of sugar or energy into growing parts of plants, pollination and seed sets.
• Copper (Cu) - required for many enzymatic activities in plants and for chlorophyll and seed production.
• Iron (Fe) – involved in the synthesis of chlorophyll, and it is essential for the maintenance of chloroplast structure and function.
• Manganese (Mn) – an important micronutrient for plant growth and development and sustains metabolic roles within different plant cell compartments.

All of the above fall into the nutrient category when it comes to soil.   Some will fall into the “Macro” nutrient category, while others will fall into the “Micro” nutrient category.   However, all of the nutrients listed above are essential for proper soil health, which makes for the healthiest lawns and landscapes possible.  

When it comes to lawns and turf grasses, the ideal range for the CEC# is between 15 and 25.  Any soil with a CEC # under 15 can be considered low or deficient and when the CEC# is less than 5, it can be considered “extremely poor”.   Numbers that are low will struggle to support turf grass, let alone any other plant life.    

When you get your soil test and all of your macro and micronutrient levels are spot on, but your CEC# shows a 5, even with all your nutrient levels in the right place, your nutrients are not being delivered with the efficiency they should, they are bound-up in the soil, which leaves your lawn and landscape looking very deficient and unhealthy. 

How to increase your CEC#….

Microbes – adding microbes and/or organic matter are the best ways to increase your CEC #.

Benefits of adding microbes to your soil to increase your CEC#

• Microbes are what carry the soil nutrients through the root system through a process called the Rhizophagy Cycle – See Dr. James White
• Microbes are very versatile, and many carry a negative charge, whereas the majority of the nutrients carry a positive charge.

Why adding Wind River Microbes makes even more sense.

• Refrigeration is NOT required for storage purposes.
• So easy to apply – injection system, pump sprayer, tank sprayer, hose end sprayer, etc.
• Decomposes organic matter into a rich carbon source.
• Unleash aggregate bound phosphorous.
• Improve nitrogen fixation.
• Breaks down heavy metals & chemical contaminants.
• Reduce salinity within the soil.
• Oxygenates soil and plant roots.
• Increase water retention.
• Release constricted nutrients.
• Improve fertilizer efficiency.
• Enhance root development.
• Reduce hardpan and crusting.
• Inhibits soil borne pathogens.
• Balances the soil ecosystem, plus much more…

When you have your soil health dialed in with the proper level of nutrients and the CEC # in the ideal range, you will actually save time, reduce inputs on fertilizers, pesticides, water, and most importantly, save your precious time and money!