Marshall County Soil Data
Marshall County, Oklahoma
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.6
Texture
Loamy fine sand
Drainage
Somewhat excessively drained
Organic Matter
1.2%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Marshall County, Oklahoma
Marshall County's Sandy Alfisols
The dominant soil order here is Alfisols, which are typically found under forests and are known for their subsurface clay accumulation. With an average pH of 6.62, the soil is less acidic than the state average of 6.06 and sits just above the national median of 6.5. This creates an excellent baseline for nutrient availability.
The Loamy Fine Sand Mix
The texture is classified as loamy fine sand, containing 48.3% sand and 23.6% clay. This high sand content provides excellent aeration, while the 24.5% silt and clay components offer better structure than pure sand. It is a highly workable soil that responds well to irrigation.
Managing Low Water Retention
Marshall County has an organic matter level of 1.25%, falling below the state average of 1.72%. The available water capacity is also lower than average at 0.136 in/in. Gardeners should prioritize adding compost to improve the soil's ability to hold onto moisture and nutrients.
Fast-Draining Sandy Landscapes
The soil is somewhat excessively drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group A, meaning it has high infiltration rates and low runoff potential. Water moves through the profile quickly, which prevents root rot but can lead to rapid drying. This makes the county well-suited for building sites and septic systems.
Warm Weather Success in Zone 8a
Hardiness zone 8a offers a long, warm season perfect for watermelons and other crops that love sandy, well-drained soil. Native oaks and pines also thrive in this Alfisol environment. It is an ideal setting to start a fruit orchard or a vegetable garden with proper irrigation.
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
Somewhat excessively drained
Water is removed rapidly. Soils may be droughty and have limited water-holding capacity.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loamy fine sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Sandy Soil Detected
Sandy soils drain quickly and can dry out. These products boost water retention and organic matter.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Marshall County have?
Marshall County's soil is classified as Loamy fine sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 48% sand, 25% silt, and 24% 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 pH of 6.6, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Marshall County?
Marshall County has a dominant drainage class of "Somewhat excessively drained." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in Marshall County's soil?
Based on Marshall County's Loamy fine sand texture, pH of 6.6, and Somewhat excessively drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Marshall County?
Marshall 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: 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 is somewhat warmer than the Oklahoma statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Marshall County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Oklahoma
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.