[f. SOIL sb.1] The action of covering with soil. Also techn. (quot. 1876).
1794. T. Wedge, Agric. Chester, 21. Soiling with the plough is thus performed: As soon as the plants begin to appear, the ground which had been balked is split, or turned both ways upon the young plants, with a long wrested plough, so as effectually to cover them.
1876. Encycl. Brit., IV. 280/2. A thin layer of ashes … is spread over the surface [of the hardened malm in brick-making] (this process being technically called soiling).
