What term is used to describe the layers of soil located below the topsoil?

Subsoil is the correct term for the layers of soil that are located beneath the topsoil. This layer typically contains fewer nutrients and organic matter compared to the topsoil but can still play a significant role in plant growth and soil health. The subsoil often consists of a higher clay content and may be denser, which can affect water drainage and root penetration.

While bedrock refers to the solid rock layer that lies beneath all soil layers and serves as the foundation for the soil structure, and clay is a type of soil texture that can be found in both topsoil and subsoil, they do not specifically define the layer beneath the topsoil. Loam is a combination of sand, silt, and clay that is often considered ideal for gardening and farming due to its nutrient content and moisture retention but does not refer to a specific layer beneath the topsoil. Thus, subsoil is the most accurate descriptor for the layers found under the topsoil.