Marshall County Soil Data
Marshall County, South Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Marshall County, South Dakota
Rich, Slightly Alkaline Marshall Soil
Marshall County maintains a pH of 7.11, which is just above the South Dakota state average. This healthy chemical balance helps drive a high soil score of 64.7, indicating great potential for diverse plant life.
Balanced Texture for Better Drainage
The soil features a versatile blend of 33.8% sand, 42.8% silt, and 23.4% clay. This combination balances drainage with nutrient retention, making it less prone to ponding than heavier clay soils.
Superior Organic Matter Content
Fertility is a major strength here, as organic matter hits 4.35%, well above the state average of 3.75%. The available water capacity of 0.187 in/in ensures that moisture remains accessible to roots during critical growth phases.
Efficient Water Movement
The 33.8% sand content suggests relatively efficient water movement through the soil profile. This characteristic helps the ground dry out faster in the spring, which is vital for early planting in northern climates.
Cold-Hardy Growth in Zone 4a
In hardiness zone 4a, Marshall County is perfect for small grains and cool-season vegetables like kale and carrots. The rich organic matter supports robust yields for both farmers and backyard enthusiasts.
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
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Marshall County have?
Marshall County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 34% sand, 43% silt, and 23% 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 7.1, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
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 Loam texture, pH of 7.1, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, 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 4a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -30°F. Soils here experience deep freeze cycles that can disrupt structure, kill shallow roots, and slow microbial activity for months each year.
Planting Guidance
Focus on cold-hardy perennials, native grasses, and conifers. The short growing window favors plants with low heat requirements. 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
Deep winter freezing can create soil heaving that pushes shallow-rooted plants out of the ground; add 3-4 inches of organic mulch each fall. Soil drainage is critical — frozen, waterlogged soil kills roots faster than cold alone. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Marshall County closely matches the South Dakota average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 4a-4b 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 South Dakota
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.