Studies on cation and anion balance in relation to root cation exchange capacity (CEC) of some cereal and legume crops

The ratio of uptake of divalent cations (Ca²⁺ + Mg²⁺) to monovalent cation (K⁺ + Na⁺) at pod development stage for legumes is much higher than the cereal crops. But the ratio of uptake of total cations to total uptake of anions (PO₄^3- + Cl⁻ + SO₄^2-) was found to be more in the case of cereals than the legumes. Thecorrelation coefficients between root CEC and total uptake of cations, anions and ratios of total uptake of cations to anions are significant in respect of both cereals and legumes. The correlation of root CEC with the total uptake of cations is higher than the anions by both types of crops. But the correlation coefficient of soot CEC with the ratio of uptake of total cations to total anions is lower for legumes than for the cereals.