Dissociation

The breaking down of soil compounds into its individual parts when dissolved in water. Anions and cations can therefore be produced from the breaking up of a compound. These are then available for plant growth, being taken up from the soil solution in which they are present.

Dissociation can result in an increase or decrease in soil pH, depending on whether the material releases hydrogen ions (H+) which will increase acidity, or hydroxide ions (OH-) which will reduce soil acidity, which can also be thought of as starting to neutralise acid soils.

The dissociation process is influenced by factors such as soil pH, mineral components, soil texture (especially the proportion of clay particles present), organic matter content and available water content.