edaphic

[ih-daf-ik]

adjective

related to or caused by particular soil conditions, as of texture or drainage, rather than by physiographic or climatic factors.

Origin of edaphic

< German edaphisch (1898); see edaphon, -ic

Related formse·daph·i·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for edaphic

Historical Examples of edaphic

In every instance the groves are limited to a rocky clay soil, and edaphic factors obviously are of major importance.
The Forest Habitat of the University of Kansas Natural History Reservation
Henry S. Fitch

British Dictionary definitions for edaphic

edaphic

adjective

of or relating to the physical and chemical conditions of the soil, esp in relation to the plant and animal life it supportsCompare biotic (def. 2)

Derived Formsedaphically, adverb

Word Origin for edaphic

C20: from Greek edaphos bottom, soil

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Science definitions for edaphic

edaphic

[ĭ-dăf′ĭk]

Relating to soil, especially as it affects living organisms. Edaphic characteristics include such factors as water content, acidity, aeration, and the availability of nutrients.

Influenced by factors inherent in the soil rather than by climatic factors.