marginal land

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "marginal land" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to land that is not suitable for intensive agricultural production due to poor soil quality, location, or other factors. Example: "Farmers often struggle to make a profit from marginal land, as the yields are typically low."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Examples include oils based on algae or plants grown on marginal land, such as Jatropha curcas.

The Guardian

The interest in hunting is probably driving up prices of marginal land, Mr. Munson said.

The New York Times

He wanted the government to acquire marginal land, especially in the Great Plains.

The New York Times

Shyer cousins of the blackbird, they live on marginal land of moorland and fast-flowing burns.

The Guardian

But he struggles on marginal land to raise livestock and grow rice.

The Economist

Higher yields, he pointed out, saved marginal land and forest from farming.

The Economist

"You still have hungry people on marginal land in parts of Asia and Latin America.

The New York Times

Restoration work involves planting flowers and shrubs on marginal land, typically narrow strips and edges that border crop fields.

The Guardian

There are also state-aided farm-drainage schemes designed to bring wasteland and marginal land into production.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Output increases, marginal land is left fallow, the agricultural labour force shrinks and people move to the towns.

The Economist

The first term is marginal land.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing agricultural potential, specify what crops or uses might be viable on "marginal land" to provide a clearer picture of its limitations and possibilities.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all "marginal land" is suitable for the same alternative uses. Different types of "marginal land" (e.g., arid vs. waterlogged) require distinct management strategies and have varying potential for uses like biofuel production or habitat restoration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "marginal land" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to land that is not productive or profitable for agriculture or other economic activities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "marginal land" is a commonly used term to describe land with limited agricultural or economic potential. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in science, news, and formal business settings. When using the term, it's important to consider the specific characteristics of the land and avoid overgeneralizing its potential. Alternatives include "unproductive land" and "low-yield land", which can provide a more nuanced description depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unproductive land

Replaces "marginal" with a direct synonym emphasizing lack of productivity.

Low-yield land

Focuses on the reduced agricultural output of the land.

Infertile land

Highlights the soil's inability to support substantial growth.

Degraded land

Indicates a decline in the land's quality and usability.

Poor quality land

A more general term describing land with undesirable characteristics.

Economically marginal land

Emphasizes the financial challenges associated with the land.

Waste land

Highlights abandoned and unused land, often due to poor conditions.

Underutilized land

Focuses on the inefficient or incomplete use of the land's potential.

Fallow land

Describes land left uncultivated for a period to restore fertility.

Secondary land

Implies the land is not the primary choice for agricultural or economic activities.

FAQs

How can I use "marginal land" in a sentence?

You can use "marginal land" to describe land that is not very productive or profitable for agriculture, such as, "The farmer struggled to grow crops on the "marginal land".

What's a good alternative to "marginal land"?

Alternatives to "marginal land" include "unproductive land", "low-yield land", or "poor quality land", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is "marginal land" the same as "abandoned land"?

"Marginal land" refers to land with limited agricultural or economic potential due to poor soil, location, or other factors. "Abandoned land", on the other hand, is land that was previously used but has been left unused, though it might not necessarily be "marginal land".

What are some potential uses for "marginal land"?

"Marginal land" can be used for various purposes, including biofuel production, livestock grazing, habitat restoration, or solar energy farms. The suitability of these uses depends on the specific characteristics of the "marginal land".