subsoil

Everyday

Subsoil is the layer of soil under the top layer (topsoil); it has less humus, is often harder, and lies above the rock. tree →

In the lessons

In science and geography: the soil layers are topsoil, subsoil and bedrock. Plant roots go down into the subsoil to find water. Gardeners and builders dig into it. Phrases: topsoil and subsoil, clay subsoil.

Examples

• The subsoil is lighter in colour than the topsoil. tree →
• Deep roots grow down into the subsoil. tree →
• The builders dug through the subsoil to the rock. tree →
• Our garden has a heavy clay subsoil. tree →
• Worms are fewer in the subsoil than in the topsoil. tree →
• Draw the layers: topsoil, subsoil and bedrock. tree →

Note

Uncountable. "Sub" means under. Layers from top: topsoil, subsoil, bedrock. Subsoil has fewer nutrients than topsoil.