Marshall County Soil Data
Marshall County, Alabama
Avg pH
5.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Marshall County, Alabama
Consistent Soils of the Appalachian Plateau
Marshall County soil reports a pH of 5.23, which aligns almost perfectly with the Alabama state average. While taxanomic data is unavailable, this acidity level is standard for the forested plateaus of the region.
A Balanced Mix of Earthy Components
The soil features a nearly even split between 39.9% sand and 38.5% silt, with 20.7% clay rounding it out. This triple-threat composition provides a stable structure that balances drainage with nutrient retention.
Strong Water Storage for Gardening
With an available water capacity of 0.156 in/in, Marshall County soil holds more moisture than the state average of 0.138. This helps it achieve a soil score of 26.7, marking it as high-quality land for diverse uses.
Reliable Moisture for Plateau Living
The balanced silt and clay content indicates that the ground retains water effectively without becoming a swamp. This reliable hydrology makes it excellent for landscaping and maintaining healthy lawns year-round.
Hardiness Zone 8a Gardening Success
This soil is well-suited for a variety of fruit trees and ornamental shrubs. Your land's above-average water capacity means your plants will be much more resilient during dry Alabama summers.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Marshall County have?
Marshall County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 40% sand, 39% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Marshall County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Marshall County's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Marshall County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Marshall County.
What crops or plants grow well in Marshall County's soil?
Based on Marshall County's Loam texture, pH of 5.2, 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 Marshall County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Marshall County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Marshall 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.