Marion County Soil Data
Marion County, Alabama
Avg pH
5.0
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Marion County, Alabama
High Acidity in the Sandstone Hills
Marion County features highly acidic soil with a pH of 5.03, which is lower than both the state and national averages. This level of acidity defines the local landscape and determines which plants can naturally survive here.
Gritty Composition for Fast Drainage
The soil contains 52.5% sand and 34.0% silt, making it relatively light and easy to till in the spring. However, the low 13.5% clay content means the soil provides less chemical buffering than heavier soils.
Surprising Water Capacity Despite Low Score
Though its soil score is 19.6, Marion County actually beats the state average for available water capacity at 0.146 in/in. However, the 1.56% organic matter suggests that supplemental feeding is necessary for high-yield crops.
Efficient Water Movement for Hillside Sites
The high sand and silt percentages suggest that water moves through the ground quickly, preventing saturation. This is helpful for avoiding root rot, though it requires more frequent watering during the peak of summer.
Acid-Loving Favorites in Zone 7b
Blueberries, azaleas, and camellias thrive in this naturally acidic environment without any modifications. If you want to grow vegetables, be sure to apply lime to bring that 5.03 pH closer to a neutral range.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Marion County have?
Marion County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 53% sand, 34% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Marion County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Marion County's soil has a low pH of 5.0, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Marion County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Marion County.
What crops or plants grow well in Marion County's soil?
Based on Marion County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.0, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Marion County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Marion County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Marion 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.