Final answer:
The term 'Active' is not used to describe the pH of soil, whereas 'Alkaline,' 'Acidic,' and 'Neutral' are direct descriptors of soil pH levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the options given to describe the pH of soil (Alkaline, Acidic, Neutral, Active), the one that is NOT a term used to describe the pH of soil is Active. Terms like Alkaline, Acidic, and Neutral relate directly to pH levels. Alkaline soils have a pH above 7, Acidic soils have a pH below 7, and Neutral soils have a pH of exactly 7. The term 'Active' does not pertain to the pH of soil but rather refers to other soil characteristics or activities, such as nutrient availability or microbial activity.
Looking at reference information, bacteria that thrive in mine drainage with a pH of 1-2 are likely acidophiles, as they prefer highly acidic conditions. Additionally, the source of compounds with the highest antimicrobial activity is generally found to be soil, likely due to the immense variety of microorganisms and biochemical processes taking place within it.