Marshall County Soil Data
Marshall County, West Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.0
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Marshall County, West Virginia
Balanced and Neutral Soil Profile
Marshall's soil shows a pH of 6.00, which is significantly more neutral than the West Virginia state average of 5.25. While it sits just below the national median of 6.5, this balance supports a wide variety of plant life across the county.
Silt-Heavy Texture for Easy Working
The ground consists of 55.9% silt and 19.2% clay, creating a fine-textured environment that holds moisture well. The 24.1% sand component ensures the earth remains manageable and easy to work for local farmers.
Superior Water Retention for Crops
At 2.87%, the organic matter content exceeds the national average of 2.0%. Its available water capacity of 0.184 in/in is higher than the state average, providing a reliable reservoir for crops during dry spells.
High Soil Score for Local Agriculture
Marshall County earns a soil score of 60.1, indicating a relatively high-performing landscape for the region. The blend of silt and clay suggests steady moisture retention with moderate percolation, even where specific drainage classes aren't recorded.
Plant Your Zone 6b Garden
Falling within Hardiness Zone 6b, this county provides an excellent foundation for vegetable gardens and orchards. The favorable soil score and water capacity make it an ideal spot to start a sustainable home garden 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: Silt Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 6.0. 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 — 24% sand, 56% silt, and 19% 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 6.0, 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 6.0, 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 6b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -5°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. 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
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. 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 West Virginia average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 6a-6b 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 West Virginia
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.