Montcalm County Soil Data
Montcalm County, Michigan
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
12.1%
Hydrologic Group
C
Data Story
About Soil in Montcalm County, Michigan
Productive Alfisols with Michigan Character
Montcalm County features Alfisols with a pH of 5.29, matching the Michigan state average of 5.30 almost exactly. These soils are historically known for their fertility and support for both agriculture and forests.
Versatile Loam for Easy Tilling
The soil is classified as loam, containing 58.0% sand and only 8.9% clay. This texture offers an excellent balance between structural stability and the ease of manual work in a garden.
Healthy Soil for Strong Growth
Organic matter content stands at 12.08%, far exceeding the national median. While the available water capacity of 0.182 in/in is slightly below the state average, it remains robust enough for consistent crop production.
Well Drained and Reliable
The soil is well-drained and belongs to hydrologic group C, which means it manages moderate water infiltration. This classification is ideal for building foundations and minimizes the risk of root rot in farming.
Bountiful Options in Zone 5b
In hardiness zone 5b, Montcalm gardeners find success with root vegetables and hearty grains. The loam texture provides the perfect home for a lush backyard vegetable garden or perennial flower beds.
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 Montcalm County have?
Montcalm County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 58% sand, 19% silt, and 9% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Montcalm County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Montcalm 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 Montcalm County?
Montcalm 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 Montcalm County's soil?
Based on Montcalm 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 Montcalm County?
Montcalm 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: Montcalm County
Soil Verdict
Montcalm 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
Montcalm 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 Montcalm 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.