Marshall County Soil Data
Marshall County, Kansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.4
Texture
Silty Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Marshall County, Kansas
Near-Perfect pH for Marshall Growers
Marshall County boasts a soil pH of 6.45, sitting almost exactly on the national median of 6.5. This balance ensures that essential nutrients remain chemically available for plant uptake throughout the growing season.
A Silty Foundation
The soil consists of 53.8% silt and 27.8% clay, offering a fine-textured medium for root development. With sand making up only 18.3%, the soil maintains a high capacity for holding both moisture and fertilizers.
Rich in Life and Water
The 2.85% organic matter content comfortably beats the state average of 2.22%, indicating high biological productivity. An available water capacity of 0.197 in/in is among the best in the state, shielding crops from immediate drought stress.
Navigating Moisture Infiltration
Data regarding specific drainage classes is currently limited, but the high water capacity suggests the ground stays moist longer than sandier neighboring regions. Gardeners should monitor for surface runoff during heavy Kansas thunderstorms.
Prime Potential in Zone 6a
With a top-tier soil score of 75.2, this is some of the most productive land in Kansas. Use the fertile conditions of Zone 6a to establish a high-yielding vegetable garden or a thriving fruit orchard.
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 Marshall County have?
Marshall County's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 18% sand, 54% silt, and 28% 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 pH of 6.4, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
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 Silty Clay Loam texture, pH of 6.4, 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 Marshall County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Marshall County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Marshall County
Soil Verdict
Marshall County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -10°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
Marshall County closely matches the Kansas average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Marshall 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.