Soil: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฑ
soil
[sษษชl ]
Definitions
in agriculture
The top layer of the earth's surface, consisting of rock and mineral particles mixed with organic matter.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| soil |
Used in agricultural and environmental contexts to describe the top layer of the earth where plants grow.
|
| dirt |
Commonly used in everyday language to refer to unclean substances on surfaces; sometimes used in a negative sense.
|
| earth |
Often used in a broader, more formal sense to denote the entire planet or the ground in a general way.
|
| ground |
Used to refer to the solid surface of the earth, especially in outdoor settings.
|
| loam |
In agriculture and gardening, specifically refers to a type of fertile soil that is a mix of sand, silt, and clay.
|
Examples of usage
- Soil erosion is a major concern for farmers.
- Healthy soil is essential for growing crops.
in gardening
To cultivate or work the soil.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| soil |
Refers to the top layer of the earth where plants grow. Often used in gardening, agriculture, and environmental contexts.
|
| cultivate |
Refers to the process of preparing land for growing crops or the act of nurturing plants. Also used metaphorically in the context of developing skills or relationships.
|
| plow |
Specifically refers to the act of turning over the soil in preparation for planting. Commonly used in farming contexts.
|
| dig |
Describes the action of breaking and moving earth with a tool, such as a shovel. Can be in gardening, construction, or general contexts where digging is involved.
|
Examples of usage
- She spent the morning soil-ing the garden beds.
- The farmer soil-ed the fields before planting the seeds.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'solum,' meaning ground or floor, which emphasizes its foundational role in nature.
- In Old French, it was used as 'soille,' which referred to the ground and has evolved over time to mean the rich, nutrient-filled part of the earth.
Science
- Soil is a complex ecosystem; a single teaspoon can contain billions of microorganisms, helping to break down organic material.
- Soil filters water, removing impurities so plants can absorb clean water, showcasing its essential role in sustaining life.
- Different types of soilโlike sandy, clay, or loamyโaffect how well plants grow by influencing water drainage and nutrient availability.
Culture
- Many cultures have woven soil or land into their identity, using it as a symbol of home and heritage, often celebrated in traditional ceremonies.
- The practice of agriculture, which relies heavily on soil, has been central to the development of civilizations throughout history, from ancient Mesopotamia to modern societies.
Environmental Importance
- Soil plays a crucial role in carbon storage; it helps mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon from the atmosphere.
- Healthy soil is essential for biodiversity, supporting numerous organisms that contribute to a balanced ecosystem and resilience against environmental changes.
Literature
- In literature, soil often symbolizes growth, possibility, and the connection between humans and nature, appearing in poems and stories that reflect the cycle of life.
- Iconic works like 'The Grapes of Wrath' by John Steinbeck explore themes of soil as a source of sustenance and struggle during the Great Depression.
Translations
Translations of the word "soil" in other languages:
๐ต๐น solo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฎเคฟเคเฅเคเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Boden
๐ฎ๐ฉ tanah
๐บ๐ฆ าััะฝั
๐ต๐ฑ gleba
๐ฏ๐ต ๅๅฃ (ใฉใใใ)
๐ซ๐ท sol
๐ช๐ธ suelo
๐น๐ท toprak
๐ฐ๐ท ํ ์ (toyang)
๐ธ๐ฆ ุชุฑุจุฉ (turba)
๐จ๐ฟ pลฏda
๐ธ๐ฐ pรดda
๐จ๐ณ ๅๅฃค (tวrวng)
๐ธ๐ฎ zemlja
๐ฎ๐ธ jarรฐvegur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะพะฟััะฐา
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแแ (niadagi)
๐ฆ๐ฟ torpaq
๐ฒ๐ฝ suelo