Alkalinity refers to the capacity of soil or water to neutralize acids, often expressed as pH levels above 7. In soil science, alkaline soils tend to have high concentrations of calcium carbonate or other basic compounds, which can affect nutrient availability and plant growth. Some plants prefer alkaline soils, while others may struggle to thrive. Adjusting soil alkalinity, typically through the addition of materials like sulfur or peat, is sometimes necessary to create optimal growing conditions for specific plants.