Definition

A type of natural mineral found in dry areas, often containing sodium nitrate or calcium carbonate, used as fertilizer or found in the soil.

Example

Farmers in arid regions often use caliche as a natural fertilizer to improve soil quality.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of caliche?

Yeah, isn't it that stuff that forms in dry areas?

Exactly! It’s interesting how it can affect farming in those regions.

Totally, it must be tough to grow crops when the soil is so hard.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Caliche originates from Spanish 'caliche', meaning a type of hardened soil or clay that contains calcium carbonate. The term is derived from 'cal', which means lime, and the suffix '-iche', which is a diminutive form. Thus, caliche refers to a small or hardened form of lime in the soil.

Memory Tip

Think of 'cal' for lime, and remember that caliche is a type of soil that has hardened lime in it.

Visually Confused Words