hardenedsoil
nounUK /ˈhɑːdənd sɔɪl/
US /ˈhɑːrdənd sɔɪl/
Soil that has become very hard and packed together.
The seeds could not grow in the hardened soil.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Earth that has dried out and formed a tough top layer.
After the long drought, a crust of hardened soil covered the field.
3. Ground pressed down by heavy machines or feet until it is dense.
The builders left a patch of hardened soil where the truck had parked.
4. Soil turned rock-like by heat or frost.
In winter, the hardened soil made digging almost impossible.