Question: If the contents of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺ and H⁺ are 13, 4, 3, 2 and 2 mol (p⁺) kg⁻¹ respectively and the CEC of soil is 25 mol (p⁺) kg⁻¹, what is the base saturation (%)?
Options:
68
80
88
96
✅ Explanation:
-Base Saturation: This represents the percentage of the soil's cation exchange capacity (CEC) occupied by base cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, and Na⁺). A higher base saturation indicates a greater proportion of these beneficial cations, which contribute to soil fertility and stability.
-Base Saturation: This represents the percentage of the soil's cation exchange capacity (CEC) occupied by base cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, and Na⁺). A higher base saturation indicates a greater proportion of these beneficial cations, which contribute to soil fertility and stability.
✏️Formula:
-Base Saturation (%) = (Sum of Base Cations / CEC) x 100
• Calculation:
-Sum of Base Cations = Ca²⁺ + Mg²⁺ + K⁺ + Na⁺
-= 13 + 4 + 2 + 3 = 22 mol (p⁺) kg⁻¹
-Base Saturation (%) = (22 / 25) x 100 = 88%