The crossword solution for the term 'SMEARS MUD ON' is SOILS, which is a five letter word. Soils are composed of organic matter, minerals, gases, liquids, and organisms that together support life. Soils are important for growing food, filtering water, and providing habitat. In this context, smearing mud on soils would refer to the act of applying mud to the surface of the soil in order to improve its fertility or to help retain moisture.