Submarginal refers to something that lies just below or falls slightly short of a standard, limit, or minimum requirement. It is an adjective that describes a position, condition, or quality that is slightly inferior, lower, or less than expected or desired. The term can be applied to various contexts, such as economics, agriculture, and ecology.
In economic terms, submarginal refers to a business or investment that does not generate enough profit to cover its total costs. These ventures may be operating at a loss or just barely breaking even, making them less profitable compared to other enterprises in the industry.
In agriculture, submarginal land refers to soil that has limited capacity to support agricultural production. This could be due to its low fertility, excessive inclination, poor drainage, or other limiting factors that hinder the growth of crops.
In ecological discussions, submarginal species or habitats are those that are just barely capable of surviving or persisting in a particular environment. These organisms or ecosystems may be considered as being on the edge of their tolerance for certain ecological factors like temperature, humidity, or nutrient availability.
In summary, submarginal indicates a position, condition, or quality that is slightly below a standard or expectation. It suggests being not fully meeting requirements or standards, falling short of profitability, or having limited capacity to thrive in a particular environment.
