What pH value characterizes an alkaline substance?

An alkaline substance is characterized by a pH value of 7 or greater. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, where values below 7 indicate acidity, 7 is neutral, and values above 7 indicate alkalinity. Therefore, a pH of 7.1 and above signifies increasing alkalinity, which is important to understand in the context of pesticide application and soil chemistry.

Understanding pH is vital for proper pesticide application as the pH level can influence the effectiveness of certain pesticides, the availability of nutrients in the soil, and the overall health of plants. An alkaline environment may also affect the behavior of pesticides, leading to changes in their degradation rates and efficacy. This knowledge is essential for making informed decisions about pesticide selection and application methods to ensure optimal results and minimize environmental impact.