Carroll County Soil Data
Carroll County, Indiana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.4
Texture
Gravelly sandy loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
5.8%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Carroll County, Indiana
Rich Alfisols of Carroll County
Carroll County is home to Alfisols with a gravelly sandy loam texture and an average pH of 6.35. This pH is nearly ideal, sitting just under the 6.5 national median. The county boasts a high soil score of 83.5, placing it among the top agricultural regions in Indiana.
Crumbly Loam with Excellent Aeration
A 31.4% sand content improves drainage and allows the soil to warm up quickly in the spring. Combined with 46.5% silt and 17.4% clay, the soil offers a crumbly texture that is exceptionally easy to cultivate. This mix provides an ideal balance of aeration and nutrient retention.
Exceptional Organic Matter Levels
Boasting a massive 5.77% organic matter, Carroll County has some of the richest soil in the state, far exceeding the 4.90% state average. The available water capacity of 0.205 is also above the state average, creating a goldmine for high-yield harvests. This fertility is a dream for any grower.
Superior Drainage for Early Planting
The soil is classified as well-drained and falls into Hydrologic Group B, allowing for excellent water movement and root respiration. This setup allows farmers and gardeners to get into the fields earlier in the season. It is a highly resilient landscape that handles heavy rains with ease.
Gardener's Goldmine in Zone 6a
With 5.77% organic matter and Zone 6a weather, you have the perfect environment for a high-production vegetable patch. Whether you want to grow giant pumpkins or a lush flower garden, this soil will support your ambitions. Start planting today in some of Indiana's finest earth.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group B — Moderate Runoff
Moderately deep, moderately well-drained soils with moderate infiltration rates. Good balance of drainage and water retention.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Gravelly sandy loam
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 Carroll County have?
Carroll County's soil is classified as Gravelly sandy loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 31% sand, 47% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Carroll County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Carroll 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 Carroll County?
Carroll County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Carroll County's soil?
Based on Carroll County's Gravelly sandy loam texture, pH of 6.4, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Carroll County?
Carroll 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: Carroll County
Soil Verdict
Carroll County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -10°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
Carroll County closely matches the Indiana average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Carroll County on LawnByCounty.com →
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.