What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
duricrust
Example
The desert's duricrust was so hard that it was difficult to dig through. [duricrust: noun]
Example
The duricrust layer on the soil was formed by the accumulation of calcium carbonate. [duricrust: noun]
hardpan
Example
The farmer had trouble planting crops in the hardpan soil. [hardpan: noun]
Example
The hardpan layer was so dense that it prevented water from seeping through. [hardpan: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hardpan is a more commonly used term than duricrust in everyday language, especially in the context of agriculture and gardening.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between duricrust and hardpan?
Duricrust is a more technical term used in geology and may be considered more formal than hardpan, which is a more common term used in everyday language.