cationic exchange capacity

[kə-ˈtī-ə-nik iks-ˈchānj kə-ˈpa-sə-tē]
nounpl: cationic exchange capacities
capacidade de troca catiônica
1. The maximum amount of cations (positively charged ions) that a material, typically soil or clay minerals, can adsorb and exchange per unit mass or volume
The cationic exchange capacity of this soil determines its ability to retain nutrients like potassium and magnesium.
A capacidade de troca catiônica deste solo determina sua habilidade de reter nutrientes como potássio e magnésio.
2. A measure expressed in milliequivalents per 100 grams (meq/100g) or centimoles per kilogram (cmol/kg), used in soil science and chemistry
Soils with high cationic exchange capacity are generally more fertile and can hold more exchangeable nutrients.
Solos com alta capacidade de troca catiônica são geralmente mais férteis e podem reter mais nutrientes trocáveis.
This is a specialized technical term primarily used in soil science, agronomy, and environmental chemistry fields. It is essential in both Brazilian and American agricultural practices for understanding soil quality and fertility. The concept is taught extensively in universities with agronomy and soil science programs in both countries. In Brazil, it's particularly important for understanding the diverse soil types across different regions, from tropical soils with naturally low CEC to more fertile alluvial soils.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
CECcation exchange capacitycapacidade de adsorção catiônicatroca iônica
Antonyms / Antônimos
anion exchange capacitycapacidade de troca aniônica

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
capacidade de troca catiônica
Standard technical term used in soil science and agronomy throughout Brazil
São Paulo
capacidade de troca catiônica / CTC
Commonly abbreviated as CTC in agricultural research institutions
Portugal
capacidade de troca de catiões
Portuguese spelling variation using 'catiões' instead of 'catiônica'
USA/Technical
cation exchange capacity (CEC)
Frequently abbreviated as CEC in soil science literature and agricultural extension materials

Related Words

soil chemistryion exchangecationadsorptionsoil fertilityclay mineralsnutrient retentionpedology

Related Idioms & Phrases

high CEC soil - solo com alta capacidade de troca catiônica
exchange complex - complexo de troca
nutrient availability - disponibilidade de nutrientes
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