Question

Soil with a high cation exchange capacity would be one that

-is characterized by a relatively large A horizon.
-is relatively fertile.
-is relatively young.
-has few clay particles within its composition.

Answer 1

A soil with a high cation exchange capacity would typically be relatively fertile.

Step-by-step explanation:

Soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) refers to the soil's ability to hold and exchange cations (positively charged ions). A high CEC indicates the soil's capacity to retain more essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, enhancing its fertility. This doesn't necessarily correlate with a specific horizon size or age. Instead, it's influenced by the presence of clay particles and organic matter.

Clay particles have numerous negative sites for cation attachment, increasing CEC. Soils with high CEC tend to have more clay, as clay minerals offer a higher surface area for cation exchange. While a well-developed A horizon (topsoil) is often fertile due to organic matter accumulation, CEC depends more on the clay content. Therefore, a soil's fertility, indicated by its CEC, is primarily influenced by the abundance of clay particles and organic matter rather than horizon size or age.

So, the correct answer remains: a soil with a high cation exchange capacity is relatively fertile.