Cation exchange capacity & nutrient management: What does the data say?

University of Minnesota Extension’s two-day field School for Ag Professionals is coming up July 29 and July 30, 2026. If you’re an agronomist, a retailer, dealer or consultant, if you’re a summer field scout - we encourage you to attend these small-group, hands-on sessions led in the field by experienced instructors. 12 Certified Crop Advisor CEUs credits are available! For all the details, including info on lodging, visit z.umn.edu/AgFieldSchool2026Cation exchange capacity and cation balancing are the topics of the day in this episode of the Nutrient Management Podcast. What are the definitions of cation exchange capacity and cation balancing? How is CEC measured, and are those estimates reliable? What does the research say about CEC and CB and their role in a nutrient management strategy? What should farmers remember about cation exchange capacity and cation balancing for their own operations?Guests:Fabian Fernandez, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Daniel Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Carl Rosen, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Additional Resources:Timing of K application for corn and soybean productionChloride and soybean: What to know about potash fertilizer managementImpact of cation exchange on corn K guidelinesFour soil test myths that farmers should knowCorn planting and nitrogen management: 5 things to considerFall K fertilizer decisions: How should corn growers prioritize applying potassium?Potassium management: Maps showing soil clay type could help Minnesota farmers---Click here to listen to all Nutrient Management Podcast episodes.For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast. And don't forget to subscribe to the Minnesota Crop News daily or weekly email newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube channel, like UMN Extension Nutrient Management on Facebook, follow us on X (formerly twitter), and visit our website.If you have questions or comments, please email us at [email protected] for the Nutrient Management Podcast is provided by Minnesota's fertilizer tonnage fee through the Agricultural Fertilizer Research & Education Council (AFREC). Learn more at MNsoilfertility.com.