What type of soil would typically be considered alkaline?

Alkaline soil is characterized by a pH level greater than 7. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, where a pH of 7 is considered neutral. Values below 7 indicate acidity, while values above 7 signify alkalinity. Therefore, when we refer to alkaline soil, we are specifically talking about soils that have a pH level exceeding 7.

This is significant in terms of soil chemistry and plant health, as certain nutrients become less available to plants in alkaline conditions. For instance, micronutrients like iron may become deficient in highly alkaline soils, impacting plant growth and health.

Other options fall outside the parameters of alkaline conditions. A pH of less than 7 classifies soil as acidic, while a pH of exactly 7 indicates neutral soil. A pH level below 3 is extremely acidic and would not be relevant to discussions about alkaline soils.