Marshall County Soil Data
Marshall County, Mississippi
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Marshall County, Mississippi
Acidic Silts of North Mississippi
Marshall County features a soil pH of 5.26, sitting just below the state average of 5.30 and well under the national median of 6.5. The county's soil score of 40.5 is notably high, placing it well above the state average of 35.7. This high score indicates a strong foundation for both agriculture and development.
Silky Texture with Low Sand
Silt is the primary component here at 62.4%, giving the soil a very smooth, fine texture. Sand is relatively low at 22.9%, while clay makes up 14.7% of the profile. This silty dominance provides a fertile, easy-to-work medium that holds nutrients better than sandy soils.
Exceptional Water Retention Abilities
Marshall County features an available water capacity of 0.201 in/in, significantly higher than the Mississippi average of 0.174 in/in. While organic matter is modest at 1.47%, the soil’s superior ability to store water provides a buffer against drought. This moisture reliability contributes to the county's strong overall soil score.
Slow Drainage and High Capacity
The high silt content means this soil holds water tightly and drains more slowly than sandy alternatives. Although specific hydrologic data is unavailable, the high water capacity indicates the soil stays moist for extended periods. Careful planning for drainage is recommended when building or gardening in low-lying areas.
Gardening in Marshall's Zone 8a
In USDA Zone 8a, the silty soil is perfect for deep-rooted perennials and moisture-loving summer crops. Squashes and melons will benefit from the high available water capacity during the peak of summer heat. With an above-average soil score, Marshall County is an excellent place to plant new roots.
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: Silt 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 Marshall County have?
Marshall County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 23% sand, 62% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Marshall County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Marshall 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 Marshall County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Marshall County.
What crops or plants grow well in Marshall County's soil?
Based on Marshall County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.3, 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 Marshall County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Marshall County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Marshall County
Soil Verdict
Marshall County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 10°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. 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
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture.
Regional Context
Marshall County closely matches the Mississippi average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 7b-8a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Marshall 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.