Certified Crop Advisor Practice Exam

ECCE is the product of effectiveness and what else?

1. Soil acidity

2. Calcium carbonate equivalence

3. Exchangeable bases

4. Soil moisture

The correct answer is: Calcium carbonate equivalence

ECCE stands for Effective Calcium Carbonate Equivalent. This term is commonly used in agronomy and soil science to express the liming potential of agricultural materials. The concept combines the effectiveness of a liming agent and its ability to neutralize soil acidity, which is represented by calcium carbonate equivalence. In this context, calcium carbonate equivalence refers to the relative ability of different liming materials to raise soil pH based on their chemical composition and relative effectiveness compared to pure calcium carbonate. In the case of ECCE, it quantifies how effective a substance is in correcting soil acidity, providing a more nuanced understanding than using effectiveness alone. Understanding ECCE is crucial for proper soil management practices, as it helps determine the appropriate amounts of lime to apply based on soil tests, thus promoting optimal crop growth and health.