Cation exchange capacity & nutrient management: What does the data say?

Abstract

Cation exchange capacity and cation balancing are the topics of the day in this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast. What are the definitions of cation exchange capacity and cation balancing? How is CEC measured, and are those estimates reliable? What does the research say about CEC and CB and their role in a nutrient management strategy? What should farmers remember about cation exchange capacity and cation balancing for their own operations. Additional Resources: Timing of K application for corn and soybean production (https://mnsoilfertility.com/research/timing-of-k-application-for-corn-and-soybean-production/); Chloride and soybean: What to know about potash fertilizer management (https://blog-crop-news.extension.umn.edu/2023/05/chloride-and-soybean-what-to-know-about.html); Impact of cation exchange on corn K guidelines (https://extension.umn.edu/crop-specific-needs/fertilizing-corn-minnesota#impact-of-cation-exchange-on-corn-k-guidelines-2239913); Four soil test myths that farmers should know (https://blog-crop-news.extension.umn.edu/2022/11/four-soil-test-myths-that-farmers.html); Corn planting and nitrogen management: 5 things to consider (https://blog-crop-news.extension.umn.edu/2023/05/corn-planting-and-nitrogen-management-5.html); Fall K fertilizer decisions: How should corn growers prioritize applying potassium? (https://blog-crop-news.extension.umn.edu/2022/10/fall-k-fertilizer-decisions-how-should.html); Potassium management: Maps showing soil clay type could help Minnesota farmers (https://blog-crop-news.extension.umn.edu/2022/04/potassium-management-maps-showing-soil.html)