Basensättigung

Basensättigung is a term used in soil science and geochemistry to describe the degree to which the cation exchange sites of a soil are occupied by basic cations. Basic cations include calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), potassium (K+), and sodium (Na+). These cations are considered "basic" because they are typically associated with alkaline conditions and can be neutralized by acids.

The cation exchange capacity (CEC) of a soil is its total ability to hold positively charged ions. When these sites are saturated with basic cations, the soil is considered to have a high basensättigung. Conversely, if the cation exchange sites are largely occupied by acidic cations such as hydrogen (H+) and aluminum (Al3+), the basensättigung is low.

Basensättigung is an important indicator of soil fertility and stability. Soils with high basensättigung generally have a higher capacity to supply essential nutrients to plants, as these nutrients are often held on exchange sites. High basensättigung also contributes to a more buffered soil pH, making it more resistant to acidification. Low basensättigung, indicative of acidic soils, can lead to nutrient deficiencies and increased toxicity from aluminum.

Factors influencing basensättigung include the soil's mineralogy, organic matter content, and the surrounding environmental conditions such as rainfall and parent material. In many temperate regions, weathering and leaching processes can gradually decrease basensättigung over time.