Cation Exchange Capacity in Grazing Systems and a Case Study for Quantification by Hyperspectral Imaging

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of cation exchange capacity (CEC) and its importance as an indicator of soil fertility, particularly in the assessment of grassland quality. The limitations of traditional methods are highlighted, and the need to explore more agile approaches to grassland quality assessment is emphasized. The increasing use of hyperspectral information (HSI) as an accurate tool for measuring soil properties, which promotes more effective and sustainable rangeland management, is further explored. This provides data on soil fertility and forage quality, enabling more accurate decisions. The benefits and challenges of using HSI data to estimate CEC and its potential to improve pasture and forage production will also be examined. HSI technology allows information to be collected and analyzed from reflected light at different wavelengths, providing a clear understanding of soil physical and chemical properties. In addition, a case study illustrating the estimation of CIC using hyperspectral cameras in the department of Antioquia, Colombia, is presented. The chapter emphasizes the relevance of this topic in the rangeland context and concludes with a future outlook that anticipates a change in the management and understanding of grazing systems.