subsoil
/ˈsʌbsɔɪl/ (bre, ipa) · [sˈʌbsˌɔɪl] /ˈsʌbsɔɪl/ (ame, ipa) · [sˈʌbsˌɔɪl] /ˈsəb-ˌsȯi(-ə)l/ (ame, mw)
subsoil — noun
1. The layer of earth that lies beneath the dark surface topsoil, just above the ha
The layer of earth that lies beneath the dark surface topsoil, just above the hard bedrock. Plants' roots may reach this layer, but it contains fewer nutrients than the topsoil.
After digging three feet down, Ari hit the hard subsoil beneath the garden.
digging [depth] + hit + subsoil
The farmer found that the clay subsoil held too much water for the wheat crop.
clay subsoil + drainage problems
Rachel's trees suffered because their roots could not push through the compacted subsoil.
Trenches were dug into the ground to test the subsoil before laying the foundation.
In this valley the subsoil contains iron-rich minerals that colour the earth orange.
- undersoil
very rare synonym, mostly found in older agricultural texts
- substratum
broader scientific term referring to any layer beneath the surface, not limited to soil
- topsoil
the nutrient-rich uppermost layer of soil that sits above the subsoil
文法句型
the subsoil
用法筆記
Subsoil is distinguished from topsoil, which is the dark, nutrient-rich upper layer where most plants grow. The subsoil layer is lighter in colour and contains less organic matter.
常見錯誤
subsoil — verb
- subsoilpresent simple I / you / we / they
- subsoils3rd person singular
- subsoiling-ing form
- subsoiledpast simple
1. To dig into and loosen the deeper layer of earth below the topsoil, allowing air
To dig into and loosen the deeper layer of earth below the topsoil, allowing air, water, and roots to move more freely through the ground.
Tamás hired a tractor to subsoil the field before planting the winter wheat.
subsoil + field before planting
The gardener subsoiled the lawn to improve drainage after the heavy spring rains.
subsoil + lawn for drainage
Farmers who subsoil their land every few years often see healthier crops and stronger roots.
Anjali subsoiled the clay soil in the orchard to break up the hard layer underneath.
文法句型
subsoil + [land / field]
用法筆記
This verb is mainly used in agricultural and horticultural contexts. The related noun form 'subsoiling' is more common than the verb itself. It is almost always followed by a direct object specifying the area of land being treated.