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subsoil

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subsoil

Layer (stratum) of earth immediately below the surface soil, consisting predominantly of minerals and leached materials such as iron and aluminum compounds. Humus remains and clay accumulate in subsoil, but the teeming macroscopic and microscopic organisms that make the topsoil rich with organic matter spend little time in the subsoil layer. Below the subsoil is a layer of partially disintegrated rock, and underlying bedrock. Stripping topsoil while clearing land for crop growth or commercial development exposes the subsoil and increases the rate of erosion of soil minerals.


subsoil
a. the layer of soil beneath the surface soil and overlying the bedrock
b. (as modifier): a subsoil plough

subsoil [′səb‚sȯil]
(geology)
Soil underlying surface soil.


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The features weren't caused by sliding dry dust, the researchers say, because that would have exposed dark patches of subsoil, as rovers have done on Mars.
amp;ldquo;We also like to look at subsoil fertility down to 24" because roots get part of their nitrogen from throughout the soil profile,” Smith says.
Recent rains have helped with topsoil moisture across much of the Plains, but subsoil moisture deficits mean timely rains are needed to ensure a good crop stand this fall.
 
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