Marion County Soil Data
Marion County, Kansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.6
Texture
Silty Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Marion County, Kansas
Balanced Chemistry in Marion County
Marion County soils feature an average pH of 6.62, which aligns closely with the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral acidity creates a hospitable environment for a wide range of crops without requiring significant chemical adjustments.
Heavy Silt and Clay Profiles
The soil composition is dominated by 56.3% silt and 29.5% clay, with a small 14.2% sand fraction. This mix provides excellent nutrient retention but requires careful management to prevent compaction in wet conditions.
Superior Organic Matter Levels
At 3.00% organic matter, these soils significantly exceed the Kansas state average of 2.22%. The available water capacity of 0.185 in/in is also higher than the state mean, providing a robust reservoir for plants during dry spells.
Managing High Water Retention
While specific drainage classification data is unavailable, the high silt and clay content suggests a soil that holds water tightly. Growers should plan for slow infiltration rates when designing irrigation or drainage systems for new builds.
Thriving in Hardiness Zone 6b
The county's overall soil score of 69.1 is far above the state average of 55.4, making it a prime location for agriculture. Within Zone 6b, you can confidently plant staples like winter wheat, sorghum, and hardy garden vegetables.
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: Silty Clay Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Clay Soil Detected
Clay soils can struggle with drainage. These products improve soil structure and water flow.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Marion County have?
Marion County's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 14% sand, 56% silt, and 29% 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 Silty Clay 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Marion County
Soil Verdict
Marion County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -5°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. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. 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
Marion County closely matches the Kansas average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 6a-6b 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 Kansas
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.