Loam vs. Topsoil — What's the Difference?

The definition of Loam (in geology and soil science) is soil composed mostly of sand (particle size > 63 micrometres (0.0025 in)), silt (particle size > 2 micrometres (7.9×10−5 in)), and a smaller amount of clay (particle size < 2 micrometres (7.9×10−5 in)). By weight, its mineral composition is about 40–40–20% concentration of sand–silt–clay, respectively.

Topsoil is the upper, outermost layer of soil, usually the top 5–10 inches (13–25 cm). It has the highest concentration of organic matter and microorganisms and is where most of the Earth's biological soil activity occurs.

Soil composed of a mixture of sand, clay, silt, and organic matter.

The upper layer of soil at a given location, usually containing significantly more organic matter than is found in lower layers.

A mixture of moist clay and sand, and often straw, used especially in making bricks and foundry molds.

To place topsoil on (land).

To fill, cover, or coat with loam.

The most fertile soil, easiest to start new plants in.

(geology) A type of soil; an earthy mixture of sand, silt and clay, with organic matter to which its fertility is chiefly due.

(transitive) To remove the topsoil from.

(metalworking) A mixture of sand, clay, and other materials, used in making moulds for large castings, often without a pattern.

The upper layer of soil; surface soil.

To cover, smear, or fill with loam.

The layer of soil on the surface

Made of loam; consisting of loam.

A kind of soil; an earthy mixture of clay and sand, with organic matter to which its fertility is chiefly due.

A mixture of sand, clay, and other materials, used in making molds for large castings, often without a pattern.

To cover, smear, or fill with loam.

A rich soil consisting of a mixture of sand and clay and decaying organic materials