Marengo County Soil Data
Marengo County, Alabama
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg 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
Soil pH
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
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.6. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Marengo County
Soil Verdict
Marengo County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 15°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. Always match plant selections to the specific microclimate of your property — low spots, slopes, and wind exposure can shift effective hardiness by half a zone.
Soil Implications
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture.
Regional Context
Marengo County closely matches the Alabama average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Marengo County on LawnByCounty.com →
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.