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subsoil Definition

sub·soil (sub′so̵il′)

noun

the layer of soil beneath the topsoil

transitive verb

to stir or turn up the subsoil of

subsoil Related Forms
sub′·soil′er noun
subsoil Synonyms

subsoil

n.

loam, dirt, gravel; see clay, earth 2.

subsoil Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • clay: The soil consists of clay and loam, with a subsoil of clay.
  • gravel: The soil is sandy, upon a subsoil of gravel.

Converse of object

  • redeposite: The backfill was identified as a dark gray clay silt with mixed gravel and lumps of redeposited subsoil.
  • overlie: Within this test pit two deposits were found to overlie the natural subsoil.
  • expose: Within Blue Bridge Lane, Trench D exposed subsoil at a depth of 0.35m below the present ground surface.
  • surround: As a result, the deposit sequence within the feature was difficult to differentiate against surrounding subsoil.
  • use: This method of building extends east as far as Basingstoke where the subsoil used is mainly chalk.

Adjective modifier

  • permeable: Deep fine loam and clay soils with slowly permeable subsoils over chalky till.
  • sandy: The liner should then be covered with a layer of sandy subsoil.
  • brown: Topsoil stripping revealed a similar surface to that on Area 1. At the southern end there was an orange brown subsoil overlying glacial gravel.
  • underlying: The topsoil came down directly onto the underlying subsoil.
  • natural: What are the 3 main types of natural subsoil?
  • clayey: The soil slightly varies, but in general it is found to be a dark loamy mold, with a stiff clayey subsoil.

Modifies a noun

  • drainage: C: Isle Abbots Friable sandy loam on gravel on Oxford Clay, poor subsoil drainage.
  • layer: Where the underlying rock or gravel deposits are close to the surface, the subsoil layer may be very thin.
  • condition: Foundations Designed and constructed to suit local subsoil conditions, and to comply with all current building legislation.
  • horizon: Iron compounds, in various states of oxidation and reduction ( hydration ) are major coloring agents of subsoil horizons.

Noun used with modifier

  • clay: For instance, light sandy topsoil on top of clay subsoil may result in boggy conditions where the two soils meet.
  • chalk: Chalk subsoil was, in all areas, cleaned to locate any possible subsurface features.
  • gravel: They are mostly filled with sandy material which is much more compact than the gravel subsoil into which they are cut.