In a message dated 5/9/2004 11:11:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
writes:

What does CEC mean?


I was looking for a textbook definition, but it stands for "cation exchange
coefficient" and refers to the ability of a soil or soil component to hold and
release moisture and nutrients over time.
In other words a high CEC would mean that a high percentage of your
fertilizer salts in solution would be trapped by the soil particles (Turface) and
released as the plant needs it.
A low CEC means your fertilizer just runs through the soil and out the bottom
of the pot.
(Even hard particles of fertilizer must dissolve in water before the plant
can use them. In many cases they must also change their chemical nature. One
argument against so called natural fertilizers such as manure is that it must
break down into its chemical parts before plants can use it. Of course this is
also an argument for, since these fertilizers feed for longer periods.)



Billy on the Florida Space Coast
BSF Annual Convention May 28 - 31, 2004 Radisson Hotel, Cape Canaveral,
Florida
Sponsored by The Bonsai Society of Brevard and the Treasure Coast Bonsai
Society
http://www.bonsaisocietyofbrevard.org/2004/2004.html

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