at soil level

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at soil level" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is situated or occurring at the surface of the soil, often in contexts related to gardening, agriculture, or environmental science. Example: "The roots of the plant spread out at soil level, absorbing nutrients and water from the ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Once yours has finished flowering, cut off the old flower stem at soil level.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It attacks growing points right at soil level and is very fond of foxgloves.

The New York Times

Allow foliage to flop over and remain until ripe, then cut it off at soil level.

The New York Times - Arts

At harvest, the above ground portion of individual plants was collected by cutting the plant at soil level.

Nature

This is microbial infection that makes the base of seedlings rot at soil level, causing otherwise healthy-looking plants to collapse and die.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For above-ground biomass, the palm was chopped off at soil level while root was removed carefully.

International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

For cadmium, hormesis was also evident at the lowest concentration tested; however, at soil levels above this, a graded concentration-dependent toxic effect was apparent.

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety

A fungal strain identified as Fusarium oxysporum (named FT2) proved to be specific and highly virulent to O. ramosa plants and was proposed as a mycoherbicide for the biological control of this weed to be applied at the soil level.

Biological Control

After all of the blooms have faded, cut off the bloom stock at the soil level - if you're lucky and the plant has had enough light, it will send up a second stalk probably sometime in January.

Los Angeles Times

Excessively moist conditions at the soil level were negatively associated with the establishment of I. scapularis.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Air movement must attain a certain velocity or become an "efficient wind" (with enough speed to generate visible movement of particles at the soil level) before it can generate deflation and transport of particles.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific reports, use "at soil level" to precisely describe the point of measurement or sampling, ensuring consistency and reproducibility in research.

Common error

Avoid using "at soil level" when you actually mean slightly above or below it. Ensure the action or measurement is precisely at the soil's surface for the phrase to be accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at soil level" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs by specifying the location or point of action in relation to the soil surface. As evidenced by Ludwig, it often indicates where something is cut, placed, or measured.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at soil level" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to specify a location or action occurring precisely at the surface of the soil. As Ludwig highlights, it's frequently found in scientific studies, gardening guides, and news reports relating to environmental science and agriculture. This phrase communicates precise spatial information for actions like cutting plants or measuring environmental factors. Alternative phrases such as "at ground level" or "on the surface of the soil" can offer similar meaning in certain contexts. Remember to use this expression when precision matters, avoiding ambiguity about the position relative to the soil.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at ground level

Specifies the position relative to the earth's surface instead of specifically referring to soil.

at the base of the plant

Focuses on the lowest part of a plant, where it meets the ground.

on the surface of the soil

Emphasizes the uppermost layer of the ground.

at the soil surface

Highlights the top layer of the soil.

level with the ground

Indicates that something is even with the earth's surface.

at the earth's surface

Broadens the scope to include the entire surface of the earth.

at the bottom of the stem

Specifically refers to the lowest part of a plant's stalk.

at the root zone

Focuses on the area where plant roots are located.

in contact with the soil

Emphasizes the direct connection to the ground.

on the ground

A more general term for being on the earth's surface.

FAQs

How is "at soil level" used in gardening contexts?

In gardening, "at soil level" often refers to cutting stems or planting bulbs at the surface of the soil to encourage healthy growth. It's a specific instruction that ensures the plant is properly positioned or pruned.

What does cutting a plant "at soil level" mean?

Cutting a plant "at soil level" means to sever the stem as close to the ground as possible, right where the plant emerges from the soil. This is a common practice in pruning or harvesting certain plants.

Is there a difference between "at soil level" and "at ground level"?

While similar, "at soil level" specifically refers to the surface of the soil, whereas "at ground level" is a more general term that can include surfaces near the ground, such as a patio or pavement.

When should I use "at the base of the plant" instead of "at soil level"?

Use "at the base of the plant" when referring to the very bottom part of the plant where it meets the soil, especially if the action is related to that specific area, such as applying fertilizer. "At soil level" is more about actions performed right at the soil's surface.