Dear Cristiane, I believe that what happens in the soil is exactly the opposite . let me illustrate the point. Cations are attached ( adsorbed not absorbed ) to the clay colloids by their positive charge. Calcium and Magnesium have a double positive charge and therefore they can push away single + elements like Hydrogen, Potassium, Sodium, etc Hydrogen is at the bottom of the pecking order. Then comes Sodium, Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium in that order. Therefore, Mag has a strong link than Calcium. This is why most of the soils have low than desired Calcium and Higher than desired Mag because Mg stays more than Calcium in the clay colloids. This is what Soil Science teachs us but I would love to learn how you have come to this conclusion. From what I know it has nothing to do with hydration energy. Please throw some more light into that subject.
> > > Hi > > Therefore it is bound more strongly to the clay particles than Mg and because it > is more 'dehydrated' having a lower hydration energy acts less as a dispersant > than magnesium. That's what Goldstein pointed out in the paragraph. > > Christiane >
