Luce County Soil Data
Luce County, Michigan
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.5
Texture
Unweathered bedrock
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
58.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Luce County, Michigan
Extreme Acidity on Bedrock
Luce County presents a unique profile with an extremely acidic pH of 4.47, well below the 6.5 national median and 5.30 state average. The dominant texture is classified as unweathered bedrock, reflecting its rugged northern character.
A Landscape of Organic Deposits
The composition is remarkably low in mineral particulates, with 16.1% sand, 12.3% silt, and only 1.8% clay. This unusual mix suggests a landscape dominated by organic deposits rather than traditional mineral soil.
Astounding Organic Sponginess
Fertility is off the charts with 58.13% organic matter, nearly triple the state average of 19.76%. This high organic content drives a massive available water capacity of 0.392 in/in, making the ground incredibly spongy.
Vast Moisture and Bog Hydrology
The extreme water capacity and high organic matter indicate a landscape that holds vast amounts of moisture. This creates a bog-like hydrology that defines much of the local ecosystem and limits traditional building.
Home for Acid-Loving Berries
Hardiness zone 5a requires tough, cold-tolerant plants that can handle the short growing season. With such high organic matter, you have an incredible foundation for acid-loving berries like blueberries or cranberries.
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: Unweathered bedrock
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 4.5. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Luce County have?
Luce County's soil is classified as Unweathered bedrock. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 16% sand, 12% silt, and 2% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Luce County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Luce County's soil has a low pH of 4.5, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Luce County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Luce County.
What crops or plants grow well in Luce County's soil?
Based on Luce County's Unweathered bedrock texture, pH of 4.5, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas.
What USDA soil order is found in Luce County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Luce County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Luce County
Soil Verdict
Luce 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
Luce County closely matches the Michigan average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Luce 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.