Isomorphous substitution

The replacement of one ion for another of similar size within the crystalline structure of the clay

Permanent charge

Octahedral sheet neutral

Net negative charge

pH-dependent charge: on edges

H+ bound tightly, so the lower the pH, the less exchange there is (i.e., lower nutrient availability)

Especially important in kaolinite, humus, where no internal charge imbalance

Whats so great about ion exchange?

Retards the release of pollutants to groundwater Affects nutrient availability to plants (constant supply, protection vs. leaching)

Next to photosynthesis and respiration, probably no process in nature is as vital to plant and animal life as the exchange of ions between soil particles and growing plant roots. Nyle C. Brady

Controls on ion exchange

Strength of adsorption
Related to hydrated ionic radius and valence
The smaller the radius and greater the valence, the more closely and strongly the ion is adsorbed. Strength $ valence/radius

Relative concentration in soil solution Type of mineral

Examples of cation exchange

K+ + Ca2+ K+ K+ + 3K+ Al3+ K+ K+ + Al3+ Ca2+ + 2K+

The interchange between a cation in solution and one on a colloid must be CHARGE balanced. The reactions are reversible, unless

Adsorbed cations: area

Humid region soil Arid region soil NH4+ Mg2+ H+ Mg2+ Low pH (acidic) High pH (basic) K+ Ca2+

H+ H+

H+ K+ Al3+