Surface layer of earth (7) Crossword Clue
Answer: TOPSOIL (7 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Surface layer of earth" with 7 letters is "TOPSOIL".Topsoil is the uppermost layer of soil, rich in organic material and nutrients, which is vital for plant growth. It is the layer that supports most vegetation, providing the essential nutrients, moisture, and structure for roots to grow and thrive.
Why “Topsoil” Fits
The clue asks for a single word (7 letters) meaning “surface layer of earth.” The answer, TOPSOIL, fits perfectly:
- Surface layer of earth: Topsoil refers to the uppermost layer of soil on the Earth’s surface, rich in organic material and nutrients — precisely matching the clue’s definition.
- Direct match: With seven letters, topsoil fits the clue’s enumeration exactly.
- Precise meaning: The word captures the essential concept of the fertile soil layer that supports plant life, covering subsoil and bedrock layers beneath.
Topsoil is an important term in farming, gardening, and environmental science:
- Origin and usage: The compound word topsoil combines top (surface or uppermost) with soil (earth material). The term came into common English use in the 19th century, coinciding with scientific interest in agriculture and soil conservation.
Structure and composition:
- Topsoil usually extends about 5 to 10 inches below the ground surface.
- It is composed of organic matter (decaying plants and animals), minerals, microorganisms, water, and air.
- It plays a vital role in root growth and nutrient cycling.
Environmental relevance:
- Essential for vegetation and agriculture — it holds water and nutrients that plants need.
- Soil erosion or loss of topsoil due to deforestation or poor farming practices can drastically affect ecosystem fertility.
Examples:
- “The topsoil in that garden is rich and dark, perfect for planting roses.”
- “Construction projects often strip away the topsoil layer.”
- “Farmers add compost to enrich poor topsoil.”
In quick crosswords like “Surface layer of earth (7),” the clue uses a simple, factual definition:
- Definition-only clue: The answer directly corresponds to a scientific or everyday term describing part of nature.
- Clue type: Straightforward general knowledge — no wordplay or misleading phrasing.
- Key solving idea: The phrase “surface layer” signals something positioned above or on top, combined with “earth,” pointing toward soil-related vocabulary.
- Letter count: With (7) letters, probable answers like surface, crust, terrain, or topsoil emerge, but only topsoil clearly matches the full sense of “surface layer of earth.”
