Which term describes soil with a pH value greater than 7.0?

Soil with a pH value greater than 7.0 is described as alkaline. In the context of soil science, the pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, where a pH of 7.0 indicates neutrality. When the pH is greater than 7.0, it signifies that the soil has low concentrations of hydrogen ions compared to hydroxide ions, which results in a higher alkalinity.

Understanding soil pH is crucial for gardening and agriculture, as it affects nutrient availability and can influence plant growth. Alkaline soils typically contain calcium carbonate and can often support a different set of plants compared to acidic soils, which are characterized by a pH below 7.0. Alkaline conditions can lead to specific micronutrient deficiencies, like iron, which can affect plant health.

The other terms refer to different soil conditions: neutral describes a pH of exactly 7.0, acidic involves a pH below 7.0 indicating higher hydrogen ion concentration, and saline refers to soils with high salt content, which can negatively affect plant growth regardless of pH.