Evaluating methods for quantifying cation exchange in mildly calcareous sediments in Northern Alberta

► Compare methods characterizing cation exchange properties in calcareous sediments. ► Assess cation exchange properties of surficial Pleistocene sediments in North Alberta. ► Methylene Blue test was least impacted by the presence of carbonate mineral phases. ► Exchangeable cations, in decreasing abundance, consist of Ca > Mg > K > NH4 > Na. ► Mean CEC was 4.7 ± 2.7 (till), 0.7 ± 0.0 (sand), 4.1 ± 2.3 meq 100 g−1 (till-sand transition).