Crawford County Soil Data
Crawford County, Michigan
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.0
Texture
Sand
Drainage
Excessively drained
Organic Matter
50.3%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Crawford County, Michigan
Extreme Acidity in Sandy Entisols
Crawford County's soil pH of 3.97 is extremely acidic, far lower than the national median of 6.5. These sandy Entisols create a unique chemical environment that dictates what can successfully grow.
High Clay and Sand Mix
The soil contains 39.9% sand and a surprisingly high 21.5% clay for this region. This mix allows for good aeration while the clay helps provide some mineral stability that pure sands lack.
Top-Tier Organic Matter and Storage
Organic matter is remarkably high at 50.33%, which is 2.5 times the state average. This supports a high available water capacity of 0.280 in/in, significantly outperforming the state average of 0.202.
Rapid Drainage in Hydrologic Group A
Classified as excessively drained, water moves through this soil very quickly. While this prevents puddling, gardeners must monitor hydration closely as the soil will not hold water near the surface for long.
Acid-Loving Plants Flourish in Zone 5a
This environment is perfect for blueberries, conifers, and other acid-loving species. The massive organic content provides a fertile foundation for specialized gardening in Crawford's Zone 5a climate.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group A — Low Runoff
Sandy, well-drained soils with high infiltration rates. Water moves quickly through the soil profile. Lowest runoff potential when thoroughly wetted.
Drainage Class
Excessively drained
Water is removed very rapidly. Very sandy or gravelly soils with little water retention.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 4.0. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Crawford County have?
Crawford County's soil is classified as Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 40% sand, 29% silt, and 21% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Crawford County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Crawford County's soil has a low pH of 4.0, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Crawford County?
Crawford County has a dominant drainage class of "Excessively drained." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in Crawford County's soil?
Based on Crawford County's Sand texture, pH of 4.0, and Excessively drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, drought-tolerant crops, root vegetables, and sandy-soil specialists.
What USDA soil order is found in Crawford County?
Crawford County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Crawford County
Soil Verdict
Crawford 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
Crawford County closely matches the Michigan average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Crawford County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Michigan
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.