Which of the following is a characteristic of cations in soil?

Cations are positively charged ions that play a crucial role in soil chemistry and plant nutrition. One of their defining characteristics is their attraction to negatively charged sites in the soil, such as clay particles and organic matter. This attraction allows cations to adhere to soil particles, which helps retain nutrients within the soil and makes them available for plant uptake.

This characteristic is fundamental in understanding how nutrient availability and soil fertility work, as it highlights the essential relationship between soil particles and nutrient ions. When cations are held by the negatively charged sites, they can be easily exchanged with root systems of plants, thus providing essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and potassium necessary for plant growth and development.

Understanding the behavior of cations in soil is crucial for effective soil management and crop production practices.