Marion County Soil Data
Marion County, Mississippi
Avg pH
4.9
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Marion County, Mississippi
Highly Acidic and Organically Rich
Marion County soil has a very low pH of 4.86, making it one of the most acidic in the state compared to the 5.30 average. Despite this, the county earns a soil score of 36.5, which is slightly above the Mississippi average. This unique profile suggests a specialized growing environment.
Sandy Soil for Rapid Drainage
The soil is primarily sand at 53.6%, the highest among these neighboring counties. Silt makes up 31.1% and clay is low at 10.8%, creating a loose, well-aerated texture. This composition is easy to dig but may require frequent fertilization as nutrients wash through the sand.
Record-Breaking Organic Matter Content
Marion County boasts a staggering 3.84% organic matter content, nearly double the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 1.81%. However, available water capacity is low at 0.159 in/in. The high organic levels help compensate for the sandy texture by improving nutrient storage.
High Permeability and Quick Drying
Because sand dominates over 50% of the soil, drainage is exceptionally fast. While official hydrologic groups are not listed, this soil profile is unlikely to suffer from standing water or drainage issues. Farmers should plan for supplemental water during dry spells to maintain the low available water capacity.
A Haven for Acid-Loving Plants
In USDA Zone 8b, the combination of high organic matter and low pH is a dream for blueberries, strawberries, and camellias. This soil is also perfect for root vegetables like carrots that prefer loose, sandy ground. Start your garden in this rich, well-draining soil today.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Marion County have?
Marion County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 54% sand, 31% silt, and 11% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Marion County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Marion County's soil has a low pH of 4.9, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Marion County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Marion County.
What crops or plants grow well in Marion County's soil?
Based on Marion County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 4.9, 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 Marion County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Marion County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Marion County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Mississippi
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.