This document specifies a method for the determination of cation exchange capacity (CEC) and the content of exchangeable cations (Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg Mn, Na) in soils using a hexamminecobalt(III)chloride solution as extractant. For soils containing calcium carbonate a calcite saturated hexamminecobalt(III)chloride solution is specified particularly for determination of exchangeable Ca. This document is applicable to all types of air-dry soil samples which have been prepared according to ISO 11464.