Hi Corey. I understand the headache of trying to understand all the chemistry. As I was looking into this I came to the conclusion that CEC is only important from a chemical stand point. I think that biology and organic substances are much more important so that nutrients are constantly being release and recycled through biological activity. If I understand the new biology then plants can get there nutrients “supply on demand” through their bacterial communities. I think the CEC analysis shows what is “left over” or “free” (not in the body of a living thing). The nutrients in short supply are quickly snapped up by biology and don’t stay long on CEC sites. When the soil is in balance there are no dominant nutrient “excesses”. i.e all nutrients show up on CEC soil test in the right proportions. This is the only practical use I that I can see for a CEC soil test. Or have I missed something?