in soil vs on soil

Both are correct, but they're used in different contexts. 'In soil' is used when referring to something being physically inside the soil, while 'on soil' is used when referring to something being on the surface of the soil.

Explained by Miss E.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 20, 2025 • 5364 views

This phrase is correct when referring to something being physically inside the soil.

"in soil"

Use 'in soil' when describing something that is located or contained within the soil.

Examples:

The roots of the plants grow in soil rich in nutrients.
The archaeologists found ancient artifacts buried in soil layers.
The worms live in soil and help aerate it.
The minerals are present in soil samples collected from different locations.
Microorganisms thrive in soil ecosystems.

Alternatives:

under the soil
within the soil
buried in soil
contained in the soil
embedded in the soil

This phrase is correct when referring to something being on the surface of the soil.

"on soil"

Use 'on soil' when describing something that is positioned or placed on top of the soil.

Examples:

The fallen leaves lay on soil in the garden.
The children played on soil in the playground.
The spilled paint dried on soil in the yard.
The picnic blanket was spread on soil under the tree.
The construction workers laid the bricks on soil for the foundation.

Show examples from the web [+]

Effects on soil and production deriving from different models of soil tillage
Some MEPs reject the framework directive because their country already has far-reaching legislation on soil.
All these drawings are extant today because they were constructed in a region of limited rainfall on soil that hardly erodes and becomes muddy.
These work on soil or hydroponic methods of growing within any indoor environment.
Barricalla monitors the impact of its activities on soil, air and water of the plant's surroundings.
It is absurd to suggest that the EU can introduce a one-size-fits-all directive on soil from the Mediterranean to Scandinavia.
The gene csA in the slime mould Dictyostelium discoideum, discovered in 2003, codes for a cell adhesion protein which binds to gp80 proteins on other cells, allowing multicellular fruiting body formation on soil.
Success in fruit cultivation primarily depends on soil fertility.
I'm preparing a report on soil erosion at the moment.
He also studied effect of crop rotation on soil quality.
Soil thickness depends on soil inclination.
According to the information available, there are no effects on soil and water.
The set aside system has positive effects on soil quality and biodiversity.
The Commission's proposal on soil protection is generalised and vague.
Where is the justification for European regulations on soil protection?
The Directive also provides a coherent framework for existing legislation on soil protection.
Thus policy on soil is and should remain a Member State issue.
Adopting a framework directive on soil protection would be putting the cart before the horse.
Regulations on soil protection have no cross-border effect.
Additional information on soil properties may be useful in interpreting the results.

Alternatives:

on the ground
on the earth
on the surface of the soil
above the soil
resting on soil

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in soil vs on soil

"in soil"

"on soil"

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