Large ball of soil (5)

I believe the answer is:

earth

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'soil' is the definition.
(synonyms)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for earth that I've seen before include "Fox's or badger's lair" , "Heart of clay" , "Where some creatures live" , "our present abode" , "Ground - globe - soil" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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