Menominee County Soil Data
Menominee County, Michigan
Avg pH
5.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
32.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Menominee County, Michigan
High-Scoring Acidic Soils in the U.P.
Menominee County earns a high soil score of 71.1, despite an acidic pH of 5.15. This pH is just below the state average of 5.30 and well under the national median of 6.5. These soils represent a high-quality agricultural resource for the Upper Peninsula.
Balanced Sand Mix with Low Clay
The soil contains 40.9% sand, 15.3% silt, and 5.7% clay, creating a relatively light and workable texture. The modest clay content means the soil won't compact easily, which is great for root health. However, the lack of clay requires more reliance on organic matter for nutrient storage.
Rich Organic Matter and Solid Water Capacity
The county features an impressive 32.21% organic matter, far exceeding both the state average of 19.76% and the national 2.0%. This richness supports an available water capacity (AWC) of 0.242 in/in, which is better than the state average of 0.202. Plants in Menominee have access to a deep reservoir of moisture and nutrients.
Sponge-Like Hydrology in Forested Lands
While official drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not provided, the high organic matter suggests the soil acts like a sponge. This allows the ground to absorb heavy rainfall effectively, though it may remain cool and damp longer into the spring. Site-specific testing is always wise for construction projects.
Short-Season Success in Zone 5a
Menominee sits in hardiness zone 5a, favoring crops that can handle a shorter window between frosts. The soil is well-suited for potatoes, cabbage, and forage crops for livestock. Start your garden this spring and take advantage of some of the best soil in the Upper Peninsula.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Menominee County have?
Menominee County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 41% sand, 15% silt, and 6% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Menominee County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Menominee County's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Menominee County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Menominee County.
What crops or plants grow well in Menominee County's soil?
Based on Menominee County's Loam texture, pH of 5.1, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Menominee County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Menominee County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Menominee 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.