Gogebic County Soil Data
Gogebic County, Michigan
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
3.8
Texture
Water
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
56.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Gogebic County, Michigan
Deeply Acidic Northern Soils
Gogebic County presents highly acidic soil with a pH of 3.79, far below the national median of 6.5. This extreme level of acidity reflects a landscape often dominated by water and unique northern mineral compositions.
Silty Profile with High Saturation
The soil contains 35.8% silt but very little sand (11.2%) or clay (3.9%). Because much of the dominant texture is classified as water, the land stays highly saturated throughout the year.
Massive Organic Matter Reserves
Organic matter is a staggering 56.69%, dwarfing the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 19.76%. The available water capacity of 0.413 in/in is double the state average, creating a massive moisture reservoir.
Managing Saturated Northern Lands
While specific drainage classes are not provided, the extremely high organic content and water capacity suggest persistent dampness. Land management here focuses on moisture-tolerant systems and avoiding soil compaction.
Hardy Crops for Zone 4b
In cold zone 4b, growers should choose acid-loving plants like blueberries or cranberries. The rich organic soil rewards those who plant species adapted to wet, acidic 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: Water
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 3.8. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Gogebic County have?
Gogebic County's soil is classified as Water. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 11% sand, 36% silt, and 4% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Gogebic County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Gogebic County's soil has a low pH of 3.8, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Gogebic County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Gogebic County.
What crops or plants grow well in Gogebic County's soil?
Based on Gogebic County's Water texture, pH of 3.8, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas.
What USDA soil order is found in Gogebic County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Gogebic County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Gogebic County
Soil Verdict
Gogebic County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -25°F. Soils here experience deep freeze cycles that can disrupt structure, kill shallow roots, and slow microbial activity for months each year.
Planting Guidance
Focus on cold-hardy perennials, native grasses, and conifers. The short growing window favors plants with low heat requirements. 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
Deep winter freezing can create soil heaving that pushes shallow-rooted plants out of the ground; add 3-4 inches of organic mulch each fall. Soil drainage is critical — frozen, waterlogged soil kills roots faster than cold alone. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Gogebic County is somewhat cooler than the Michigan statewide average. The zone range of 4a-4b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Gogebic 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.