Marengo County Soil Data

Marengo County, Alabama

Avg pH

5.6

Texture

Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

2.0%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Marengo County, Alabama

High-Quality Soils of the Black Belt

Marengo County soil features a pH of 5.57, making it one of the more neutral soils in the state of Alabama. This provides a welcoming chemical environment for a wider variety of plants without the need for constant liming.

Complex Texture with High Clay Content

At 21.5% clay and 29.8% silt, this soil offers significant structural strength and mineral wealth. The 48.8% sand content ensures it isn't too heavy to work, creating a balanced and versatile loam-like texture.

Excellent Organic Matter and Water Storage

With 1.96% organic matter, Marengo is nearly on par with the national average of 2.0% and well above the Alabama norm. Its soil score of 33.2 is one of the highest in the region, reflecting its superior growing potential.

Consistent Moisture for Reliable Farming

The county's available water capacity of 0.139 in/in slightly exceeds the state average, providing a stable moisture supply. This consistency supports healthy root systems even when the Alabama heat becomes intense.

Versatile Growing in Zone 8b

From lush pastures to vibrant vegetable gardens, Marengo’s high-quality soil supports it all. This is a gardener's paradise, so take advantage of some of the best soil the state has to offer.

Soil Composition

Loam
Sand: 48.8%
Silt: 29.8%
Clay: 21.5%
Loam

Soil pH

5.6pH
5.56648942338659
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

Soil Series

Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.

Hydrologic Group

Hydrologic group data not available.

Drainage Class

Drainage class data not available.

Soil Profile

Dominant texture: Loam

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Marengo County have?

Marengo County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 49% sand, 30% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Marengo County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Marengo County's soil has a pH of 5.6, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.

What is the drainage class for Marengo County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Marengo County.

What crops or plants grow well in Marengo County's soil?

Based on Marengo County's Loam texture, pH of 5.6, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.

What USDA soil order is found in Marengo County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Marengo County is not currently available in our dataset.

Other Counties in Alabama

Soil data sourced from USDA SSURGO via Soil Data Access. Data is informational only and should not be used as a substitute for on-site soil testing. Contact your local NRCS office for site-specific soil information.