Marshall County Soil Data
Marshall County, Tennessee
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.6
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Marshall County, Tennessee
Slightly acidic but above state average pH
Marshall County's soil maintains a pH of 5.61, which is more alkaline than the Tennessee state average of 5.35 but remains below the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is currently unavailable, the county's respectable soil score of 43.6 suggests a solid foundation for agriculture.
A silt-dominant mix for Marshall soils
The soil composition features 54.0% silt and 23.8% clay, creating a heavy texture that retains moisture well. With 19.3% sand, the mix offers moderate workability but requires careful management to avoid compaction during wet seasons.
Strong water retention despite lower organic matter
The organic matter content sits at 1.96%, falling below the state average of 2.44%. However, the available water capacity of 0.173 in/in exceeds the state benchmark, ensuring crops have reliable access to moisture during dry spells.
Managing water in Marshall's silty terrain
While specific drainage classes are not currently recorded for this county, the high silt content typically suggests slow to moderate permeability. Farmers and builders should monitor local water tables, as the heavy composition can lead to ponding after heavy Tennessee rains.
Productive growing in Hardiness Zone 7b
Marshall County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b, where the silty soil supports successful yields of corn, soybeans, and winter wheat. This environment is perfect for home gardeners to start a vegetable patch with hardy brassicas or summer nightshades.
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 5.6. 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 — 19% sand, 54% 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 5.6, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
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 5.6, and drainage class, 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?
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 7b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 5°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 Tennessee average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Marshall County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Tennessee
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.