prairie soil

American  

noun

1. a soil that forms in subhumid, temperate regions with tall grass as native vegetation.

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prairie soil British  

noun

1. a soil type occurring in temperate areas formerly under prairie grasses and characterized by a black A horizon, rich in plant foods

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Etymology

Origin of prairie soil

An Americanism dating back to 1810–20

Example Sentences

We section off the land and sift through the layers of prairie soil, searching for my peoples’ belongings.

From Washington Post • Oct. 5, 2021

Particles of midwestern prairie soil were deposited along the east coast and as far away as Europe.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2017

Limestone was easily quarried from the layers of rock beneath the rich prairie soil, allowing Jones to build an elegant mansion and stone fencing around his vast property.

From Washington Times • Oct. 29, 2014

Glaciers carved Horicon Marsh out of prairie soil in southeastern Wisconsin 12,000 years ago.

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2013

Though they certainly grew their own rich wheat on virgin semi-arid prairie soil, I'm sure the family bought white flour at the store for daily use.

From How and When to Be Your Own Doctor by Solomon, Steve