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What does CEC stand for in the context of arboriculture?

  1. Calcium Exchange Capability

  2. Cation Exchange Capacity

  3. Carbon Erosion Control

  4. Cellulose Enzyme Concentration

The correct answer is: Cation Exchange Capacity

In the context of arboriculture, CEC stands for Cation Exchange Capacity. Cation exchange capacity is a measure of the soil's ability to hold and exchange positively charged ions (cations) such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It is an essential characteristic of soil that affects nutrient availability to tree roots. Understanding the CEC of the soil can help arborists make informed decisions about tree health, fertilization, and overall soil management in arboricultural practices. Option A, Calcium Exchange Capability, is incorrect because CEC does not specifically refer to the exchange of calcium ions only, but rather to a broader range of cations in the soil. Option C, Carbon Erosion Control, is incorrect as CEC does not relate to carbon in the context of arboriculture but is focused on cations in soil. Option D, Cellulose Enzyme Concentration, is incorrect as it does not align with the standard definition and application of CEC in arboriculture, which pertains to the ion exchange capacity of the soil.