topsoil

noun

top·soil | \ ˈtäp-ˌsȯi(-ə)l

Definition of topsoil

: surface soil usually including the organic layer in which plants have most of their roots and which the farmer turns over in plowing

Examples of topsoil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This usually involves returning the sand that cannot be sold along with the clay, shale and topsoil that had to be removed to get to the sand, and then planting grasses and other native flora. — Geoffrey Giller, Discover Magazine, "The Midwestern Sand Mines Feeding the Fracking Industry," 26 Apr. 2019 The crypts were then placed close together and covered with about two feet of gravel, fill and topsoil, said David H. Petrie, construction control representative for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the site. — Michael E. Ruane, Washington Post, "Arlington Cemetery to open new section with space-saving pre-dug graves," 4 June 2018 This included simple acts — such as making topsoil — and more complicated works, including mapping out nature corridors. — Carolina A. Miranda, latimes.com, "Datebook: Getty Villa shows treasures from the Roman villa that inspired its design," 27 June 2019 Now, topsoil and subsoil moisture is rated at a surplus in about a quarter of Wisconsin farms, the report said. — Grace Connatser, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wisconsin farmers catching up with planting despite cool, wet weather," 24 June 2019 The topsoil or garden soil mixes are often mostly organic matter – such as the mix your fiancé picked up. — Dan Gill, nola.com, "Know the difference between mulch and organic amendments," 21 Apr. 2019 Here, where the rain would wash the topsoil off deforested hillsides into mudslides. — Gaia Vince, Quartz, "How to survive in the world’s largest refugee camp," 8 June 2019 Then spread an inch of compost over the area and till again until the topsoil, sand, and compost are thoroughly mixed together. — Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, "How to Plant Grass Seed for a New Lawn," 23 Jan. 2019 Level any high spots and fill all depressions with topsoil. — Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, "How to Plant Grass Seed for a New Lawn," 23 Jan. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'topsoil.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.