Marion County Soil Data
Marion County, Arkansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
22.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Marion County, Arkansas
Acidic Profiles in the Ozarks
Soil in Marion County is quite acidic, recording an average pH of 5.40. This acidity is typical for the region, falling below the Arkansas average of 5.56 and well under the national median of 6.5.
Light and Easy-to-Till Soil
The mineral mix consists of 25.8% sand, 33.3% silt, and 10.4% clay. This composition suggests a soil that is relatively light and easy to till, though it may require organic amendments to boost its structure over time.
Massive Organic Matter Reserves
This county boasts a staggering 22.61% organic matter, dwarfing the state average of 4.15%. However, its available water capacity is low at 0.097 in/in, meaning the soil may dry out quickly despite its rich organic content.
Monitoring Natural Water Drainage
Specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unavailable for this county. Gardeners should monitor local spots for standing water, as the low clay content often indicates rapid water movement through the soil.
Resilient Planting in Zone 7b
Marion County resides in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b, offering a climate suited for apples and hardy perennials. With such incredibly high organic matter already present, your garden is just a few seeds away from a thriving season.
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 5.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Marion County have?
Marion County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 26% sand, 33% silt, and 10% 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 5.4, 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 Loam texture, pH of 5.4, 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Marion County
Soil Verdict
Marion County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 5°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
Marion County is somewhat cooler than the Arkansas statewide average. The zone range of 7a-7b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Marion County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Arkansas
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.