Glossary
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Alkaline soil
Alkaline soils have
pH
readings above pH7.4 and contain relatively more lime. Alkaline soil suits lime-loving (
calcicole
) plants such as many
alpines
and many vegetables, especially brassicas (cabbage family). Alkaline soils are harder to make more
acid
, although the addition of leafmould and sulphate of iron can lower the soil's pH value.