Marion County Soil Data
Marion County, Indiana
Avg pH
6.6
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Marion County, Indiana
A balanced pH in the urban heart
Marion County maintains an average soil pH of 6.60, which sits slightly above the national median of 6.5 and well above the Indiana average of 6.08. While specific taxonomic data is limited for this urban area, the 76.5 soil score suggests a high-quality foundation for the capital city's green spaces. This near-neutral acidity is ideal for a wide variety of plants without needing heavy lime adjustments.
Silt-heavy soils for easy gardening
The county's soil is 54.3% silt, providing a smooth texture that is easier to work than heavy clay. With 26.2% sand and 19.6% clay, this mix offers a stable structure for urban development and landscaping. The significant silt content helps the soil hold together while allowing roots to penetrate easily.
Solid water capacity despite lower organic matter
Organic matter sits at 2.53%, which exceeds the national average of 2.0% but falls short of the state average of 4.90%. Despite this, the soil boasts an available water capacity of 0.209 in/in, outperforming the state benchmark of 0.202. This means plants here have a better-than-average reservoir of water during dry spells.
A mystery in local hydrology
Current data does not specify a dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for this metro region. Urban development often modifies natural drainage, so local site assessments are vital for understanding how water moves across your yard. Gardeners should observe their specific plot after a heavy rain to determine if supplemental drainage is needed.
Urban gardening in Zone 6b
Marion County falls into hardiness zone 6b, where the soil and climate are perfect for tomatoes, peppers, and diverse ornamental shrubs. The favorable soil score of 76.5 indicates that your backyard likely has the potential for a thriving garden. Start planting today to take advantage of these balanced soil conditions.
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: Silt 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 Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 26% sand, 54% silt, and 20% 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 pH of 6.6, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
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 Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.6, 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 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 Indiana
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.