The actual cation exchange capacity (CECact) in sandy mine soils from Terti
ary sediments increases with the lignite contents of the substrates. Theref
ore, lignite is important for nutrient storage and availability in these so
ils. Base saturation varies over a wide range of 4 - 100% according to soil
pH. For the determination of CECact, the high contents of soluble salts ty
pical for these substrates have to be considered for reliable results.