Presque Isle County Soil Data
Presque Isle County, Michigan
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Sand
Drainage
Excessively drained
Organic Matter
15.8%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Presque Isle County, Michigan
Sandy Entisols of the Tip
Presque Isle County is dominated by Entisols, specifically sand-textured profiles with an average pH of 5.29. This pH level almost exactly mirrors the Michigan state average of 5.30 but remains below the national median of 6.5. These soils are relatively young and haven't developed the complex layering seen in older soil orders.
Gritty Mix with Minimal Clay
With 62.3% sand and only 10.5% clay, the soil is gritty and loose, offering very little resistance to roots or shovels. Silt makes up 18.9% of the mix, providing just enough fine material to prevent it from feeling like a beach. This high sand content means the ground warms up quickly in the spring, allowing for earlier planting.
Moderate Organic Matter and Lower AWC
The soil contains 15.82% organic matter, which is healthy compared to the national average of 2.0% but shy of the 19.76% state average. The available water capacity is 0.161 in/in, indicating that the soil does not hold onto water very well. Regular mulching is recommended to keep soil temperatures stable and moisture locked in.
Excessively Drained Hydrologic Group A
Classified as excessively drained and part of Hydrologic Group A, water moves through this soil with extreme speed. This prevents puddling even during heavy Lake Huron storms but can lead to thirsty plants during a dry week. It is a very stable soil for construction, though basement waterproofing remains a standard precaution.
Hardy Growing in Zone 5a
Presque Isle is in USDA Zone 5a, where short-season crops and cold-hardy perennials perform best. The sandy texture is perfect for asparagus and root crops that require loose soil to expand. Start your garden with native wildflowers or hardy vegetables to see the best results in this fast-draining landscape.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group A — Low Runoff
Sandy, well-drained soils with high infiltration rates. Water moves quickly through the soil profile. Lowest runoff potential when thoroughly wetted.
Drainage Class
Excessively drained
Water is removed very rapidly. Very sandy or gravelly soils with little water retention.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Sand
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 Presque Isle County have?
Presque Isle County's soil is classified as Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 62% sand, 19% silt, and 10% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Presque Isle County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Presque Isle 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 Presque Isle County?
Presque Isle County has a dominant drainage class of "Excessively drained." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in Presque Isle County's soil?
Based on Presque Isle County's Sand texture, pH of 5.3, and Excessively drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, drought-tolerant crops, root vegetables, and sandy-soil specialists.
What USDA soil order is found in Presque Isle County?
Presque Isle County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Presque Isle County
Soil Verdict
Presque Isle 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
Presque Isle County closely matches the Michigan average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 5a-6a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Presque Isle 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.