NIGHT SOIL Meaning and
Definition
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Night soil refers to human excrement or feces that is collected and used as fertilizer, particularly in agricultural practices. Historically, night soil was a common method of waste disposal in many urban areas where there was limited access to proper sewage systems or treatment facilities. The term "night soil" originated from the practice of individuals, known as night soil collectors, who would collect the waste during the night from cesspools or private toilets.
Night soil has been used for centuries in various cultures as a form of organic fertilizer due to its nutrient-rich composition. The waste is typically collected and allowed to decompose over a period of time, often mixed with other organic matter such as straw or sawdust, to enhance the decomposition process. Once fully decomposed, the resulting material, known as composted night soil, is applied to agricultural fields or gardens to improve soil fertility and enhance plant growth.
Although modern sanitation practices and sewage systems have largely replaced the use of night soil as a waste disposal method in developed countries, it continues to be utilized in certain regions, particularly in rural areas of developing countries where access to improved sanitation is limited. The safe and controlled use of night soil for agriculture requires proper handling, treatment, and monitoring to prevent the transmission of diseases and ensure the safety of food crops grown using this organic fertilizer.
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The contents of privies and cesspools, so called because usually removed at night.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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The contents of cess-pools, &c.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for NIGHT SOIL
- bight soil
- might soil
- jight soil
- hight soil
- nught soil
- njght soil
- nkght soil
- noght soil
- n9ght soil
- n8ght soil
- nifht soil
- nivht soil
- nibht soil
- nihht soil
- niyht soil
- nitht soil
- niggt soil
- nigbt soil
- nignt soil
- nigjt soil
Etymology of NIGHT SOIL
The word "night soil" has its origin in medieval English. The term "night" refers to the time when people would dispose of waste in the dark, usually during the night or early morning hours. The word "soil" refers to the waste or feces itself. The practice of collecting human waste for use as fertilizer or disposing of it originated long ago when cities and towns lacked proper sanitation systems.
Similar spelling words for NIGHT SOIL
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