Thin-soiled describes land or terrain characterized by a shallow layer of topsoil, often overlying bedrock or infertile subsoil. This condition limits the availability of nutrients and water for plant growth, rendering the land less productive for agriculture, forestry, or other land uses. Such environments can be prone to erosion, and may support only specialized plant communities adapted to the harsh conditions. The thinness of the soil is the defining factor, influencing both the ecological character and the potential human uses of the area.
Thin-soiled meaning with examples
- The farmer knew the field was thin-soiled, requiring careful irrigation and fertilization to produce a decent crop yield. He always looked out for signs of water erosion on his crops.
- The mountain slopes, prone to landslides, were overwhelmingly thin-soiled; only hardy shrubs and grasses managed to cling to the rocky surfaces.
- Development in the area was restricted because of the predominantly thin-soiled nature of the landscape, presenting challenges for construction and infrastructure.
- The ecologists studied the plant life of the thin-soiled cliffs, finding unique species adapted to the nutrient-poor conditions.
- The park ranger cautioned hikers about the trails traversing the thin-soiled region, where erosion could be a significant hazard due to the lack of thick vegetation.