Gladwin County Soil Data
Gladwin County, Michigan
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
12.8%
Hydrologic Group
C
Data Story
About Soil in Gladwin County, Michigan
Alfisols and Loamy Landscapes
Gladwin County features Alfisols with a dominant loamy texture. The average pH is 5.30, which perfectly matches the state average but remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5.
Easy Workability with High Sand
With 69.5% sand and 10.9% clay, this soil is exceptionally easy to till and work. The sand-heavy mix promotes rapid drainage, though the clay content provides necessary structural stability for roots.
Healthy Organic Levels Above National Benchmarks
Organic matter content is 12.83%, far exceeding the 2.0% national average. However, the available water capacity of 0.153 in/in is lower than the state benchmark, suggesting a need for consistent irrigation during dry spells.
Reliable Drainage for Stable Building
These soils are well drained and belong to hydrologic group C. This makes the land excellent for residential foundations and crops that cannot tolerate standing water.
Cool Season Success in Zone 5b
Falling in zone 5b, Gladwin County is perfect for cool-season crops like carrots and kale. The well-drained loam provides an excellent foundation for a productive home vegetable patch.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group C — Moderate-High Runoff
Soils with slow infiltration rates, often with a layer that impedes downward water movement. Higher clay content restricts drainage.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.3. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Gladwin County have?
Gladwin County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 69% sand, 16% silt, and 11% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Gladwin County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Gladwin County's soil has a low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Gladwin County?
Gladwin County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Gladwin County's soil?
Based on Gladwin County's Loam texture, pH of 5.3, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Gladwin County?
Gladwin County's dominant soil order is Alfisols. Alfisols are moderate to high base-status soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. They support productive forests and cropland across temperate regions.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Gladwin County
Soil Verdict
Gladwin County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -15°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
Gladwin County closely matches the Michigan average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 5b-6a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Gladwin 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.