Pronunciation: [sˈɔ͡ɪl] (IPA) 
The word 'soil' is spelled as /sɔɪl/. It is a common noun that refers to the top layer of the earth's surface, comprised of organic and inorganic materials. The word has been derived from the Old French 'soil' and the Latin 'solum'. The pronunciation of the word 'soil' is characterized by a central vowel sound followed by a diphthong. This spelling is widely accepted in English since it reflects the meaning and etymology of the word.
Soil is a natural, dynamic medium or substance that forms the uppermost layer of the Earth's crust. It is composed of particles that include minerals, organic matter, air, water, and countless living organisms. This combination of diverse elements contributes to the soil's ability to support plant and animal life.
Soil is typically formed through weathering, which entails the physical and chemical breakdown of rocks over time. Various factors influence its development, such as climate, topography, parent material, organisms, and time, and this results in different types and compositions of soil.
Although soil may vary greatly in its characteristics, it generally possesses certain qualities. These include texture, which refers to the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay particles in the soil; structure, which is the arrangement of soil particles into aggregates or clumps; pH, which indicates the soil's acidity or alkalinity; fertility, which describes the capacity of the soil to provide nutrients for plant growth; and water-holding capacity, which determines the soil's ability to retain and transmit water.
Soil serves several essential functions and roles. Primarily, it acts as a medium for plant growth by providing essential nutrients, water, and physical support. Additionally, it functions as a habitat for numerous organisms, including bacteria, fungi, insects, and earthworms, which contribute to the decomposition of organic matter and nutrient cycling. Furthermore, soil plays a crucial role in regulating water flow, facilitating the purification of water through filtration, and even influencing climate patterns.
Understanding the characteristics and qualities of soil is important in various fields, including agriculture, horticulture, forestry, engineering, and ecology, as it aids in making informed decisions about land use, conservation practices, and sustainable development.
• The upper stratum of the earth; mould; land.
• Filth; any foul matter upon another substance; a stain; dung; tarnish.
• To defile; to polute; to dirty; to besmear; to bedaub.
• In agri., to feed cattle with green food in the stall.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "soil" originated from the Old French word "soil" which came from the Latin word "solum". The Latin word "solum" referred to the ground, earth, or floor. Over time, the word evolved to "soil" and began to specifically represent the top layer of the earth's surface, often used for agricultural purposes.
