Chapter

Introduction to Sorption and Ion Exchange

From Introduction to Soil Science by Amber Anderson and Rivka Fidel

Concepts

1. Sorption

   "Sorption is the process by which soil retains nutrients and contaminants. Absorption occurs when liquids and dissolved compounds move into pores or particles, while adsorption occurs when solutes adh

2. Ion Exchange

   "Ion exchange is the rapid and reversible swapping of ions in solution with oppositely charged sites on soil surfaces. Cation exchange involves cations in solution exchanging with cations held on nega

3. Cation Exchange

   "Cation exchange prevents positively charged nutrients from being rapidly washed away with water while keeping them available for later plant uptake. Plant roots release hydrogen ions and carbonic-aci