Determination of cation exchange capacity and analysis of cation availability in hemic and sapric peat with different preparation and extraction methods

The use of mineral soil analysis procedures in peat soils is considered unsuitable. Peat vulnerable to disturbance, which leads the damage inert structure, such as sifting and drying process. objective this study was obtain proper methods preparation extraction be used that can reflect conditions on field. experiment carried out laboratory Soil Science Department UGM by using samples taken from Padang Island, Riau, arranged a factorial randomized block design with three factors (peat preparation, method, levelof maturity). variables observed included available cation Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) soil. results showed there no significant effect treatment interactions each variable observed. method for original at level maturity reflected more physical condition field than other methods. Meanwhile, sapric cations CEC. After being converted bulk density (BD) values maturity, result leaching value CEC should without air shaking further research.