Negatively charged clay particles hold cations near the surface. Is this statement true or false?

The statement is true because negatively charged clay particles possess a high surface area and are highly reactive due to their charge. This characteristic enables them to attract and hold onto cations—positively charged ions—like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. These cations are essential for plant nutrition and are facilitated in the soil environment by their association with negatively charged sites on the clay particles.

Clay particles are known to have a structure that allows them to retain these cations, preventing them from leaching away with water. The ability of soil to retain nutrients, influenced by the presence of clay and its charge, is a fundamental principle in understanding soil chemistry and fertility. Thus, in this context, the retention of cations by negatively charged clay particles is a crucial aspect of soil health and plant growth.