Boone County Soil Data
Boone County, Indiana
Avg pH
6.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Boone County, Indiana
Productive Entisols of Boone County
Boone County features Entisols with a stable pH of 6.37, nearly matching the national 6.5 median. This acidity level is excellent for nutrient availability and supports a wide range of agriculture. The county's soil score of 76.1 confirms its status as a highly productive region.
High Silt Content for Smooth Texture
The soil is dominated by silt at 57.5%, creating a fine-grained, smooth texture that is highly fertile. Combined with 20.5% clay and 22.0% sand, it retains water efficiently without becoming too difficult to till. This mix is ideal for root development and consistent plant growth.
Excellent Water Capacity for Summer
The available water capacity is a high 0.210 in/in, which is above the Indiana state average. While organic matter is 2.61%—lower than the state average but above the 2.0% national benchmark—the water retention helps plants thrive. This soil is particularly resilient during the hot, dry stretches of the growing season.
Moderate Runoff and Water Management
Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not available, but high silt levels often suggest moderate runoff potential. The soil's 76.1 quality score indicates that it generally handles water well for local farming. Gardeners should still monitor for standing water in low-lying areas after heavy rains.
Zone 6a: Ideal for Root Crops
In Zone 6a, this silty soil is a fantastic home for root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and beets. With water capacity above the state average, your garden will stay resilient all season long. It is a great time to start a backyard plot in Boone County.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Boone County have?
Boone County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 22% sand, 58% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Boone County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Boone County's soil has a pH of 6.4, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Boone County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Boone County.
What crops or plants grow well in Boone County's soil?
Based on Boone County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.4, 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 Boone County?
Boone County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
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Other Counties in Indiana
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.