The distribution coefficients of strontium and cesium in an Italian nuclear site were studied. Distribution coefficient is a fundamental parameter in safety assessment studies on radionuclide migration into the environment. A sensitivity analysis to identify the main influencing factors on the variation of distribution coefficient in subsoil was carried out. Cation exchange capacity was identified as the main influencing parameter, thus a correlation between cation exchange capacity and distribution coefficient was estimated. In this way, the determination of cation exchange capacity, that is less consuming, makes it possible to easily obtain a preliminary, but reliable distribution coefficient on extensive sites.