Madison County Soil Data
Madison County, Idaho
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
N/A
Texture
Unknown
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
N/A
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Madison County, Idaho
Madison's Regional Soil Identity
While specific local taxonomy data is limited, Madison sits in a state with an average pH of 6.04. This is slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, affecting how minerals dissolve for plant uptake. Understanding this baseline helps local growers adjust for optimal nutrient availability.
The Texture of Madison Land
Detailed sand, silt, and clay percentages are not currently mapped for this county's specific acreage. These three components define how well a garden drains and how easily roots move through the earth. Local gardeners typically observe regional textures to gauge their soil's workability.
High Potential for Organic Growth
Idaho's state average organic matter is a robust 27.53%, significantly higher than the 2.0% national average. This high organic content across the region supports a strong available water capacity of 0.269 in/in. These benchmarks indicate Madison likely shares in the state's significant potential for sustainable fertility.
Managing Water Flow in Madison
Specific drainage class data is pending, yet managing water movement remains critical for local farm and home sites. Efficient drainage prevents root rot and ensures the hydrologic group can handle seasonal Idaho runoff. Check your local plot to see how quickly water disappears after a heavy rain.
Thriving in Hardiness Zone 5a
Madison County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, favoring crops that handle cooler temperatures. You can find success with hardy vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and kale in this climate. Don't hesitate to start your garden early with cold frames to extend the short growing season.
Soil Composition
Composition data not available for this county.
Soil pH
pH data not available for this county.
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: Unknown
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Madison County have?
Madison County's soil is classified as Unknown. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — sand percentage unavailable, silt percentage unavailable, and clay percentage unavailable. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Madison County's soil acidic or alkaline?
pH data is not available for Madison County.
What is the drainage class for Madison County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Madison County.
What crops or plants grow well in Madison County's soil?
Based on Madison County's Unknown texture, soil pH, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for a variety of crops depending on local conditions.
What USDA soil order is found in Madison County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Madison County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Madison County
Soil Verdict
Madison County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -20°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. With extreme winter lows, any marginally hardy plants need heavy mulch and wind protection. 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
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Madison County is somewhat cooler than the Idaho statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Madison County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Idaho
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.