Roscommon County Soil Data
Roscommon County, Michigan
Avg pH
4.7
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
37.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Roscommon County, Michigan
High Acid and Organic Richness
Roscommon County features acidic soil with an average pH of 4.70, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic classification data is not fully recorded for this area, the chemical profile suggests a landscape shaped by pine forests and wetlands. This acidity is a key factor in determining which native plants thrive here.
Balanced Sand and Silt Mix
The soil composition is nearly balanced with 49.4% sand and 26.5% silt, complemented by 18.9% clay. This mix creates a more substantial texture than the sand-heavy counties to the north, offering better nutrient retention and physical stability. It is a versatile medium that provides a solid foundation for both roots and structures.
Thick Organic Layer and Strong AWC
Roscommon boasts a very high organic matter content of 36.95%, which is nearly double the Michigan state average of 19.76%. Its available water capacity of 0.229 in/in also beats the state average of 0.202. This combination makes the soil exceptionally fertile and resilient against short-term droughts.
Managing Unlisted Drainage Profiles
While official drainage classes are not currently available for Roscommon’s primary soil data, the high organic matter and silt/clay percentages suggest slower drainage. The soil is built to hold water, which is a boon for agriculture but may require attention for landscaping and drainage around homes. Check local conditions after a heavy rain to understand your specific plot.
Lush Potential in Zone 5a
In USDA Zone 5a, Roscommon County is an excellent place to grow berries, leafy greens, and moisture-loving perennials. The high fertility of the soil means you will see vigorous growth if you match your plant choices to the acidic pH. Dive into gardening by leveraging the natural richness of this organic-heavy soil.
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 Roscommon County have?
Roscommon County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 49% sand, 27% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Roscommon County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Roscommon County's soil has a low pH of 4.7, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Roscommon County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Roscommon County.
What crops or plants grow well in Roscommon County's soil?
Based on Roscommon County's Loam texture, pH of 4.7, 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 Roscommon County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Roscommon County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Roscommon 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.