Cass County Soil Data
Cass County, Indiana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.2
Texture
Loamy fine sand
Drainage
Somewhat excessively drained
Organic Matter
5.0%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Cass County, Indiana
Loamy Sand Soils define Cass County
Cass County features Alfisol soils with a 6.20 average pH, making them slightly more acidic than the 6.5 national median. The dominant texture is loamy fine sand, which feels lighter and grainier than the heavy clays found in other parts of the state.
A Silty and Sandy Mix
The soil contains 35.7% sand and 45.1% silt, balanced by a modest 15.4% clay content. This composition offers excellent workability and enough silt to maintain structure without becoming excessively heavy or difficult to till.
Strong Organic Matter Levels
Organic matter reaches 4.98%, which exceeds both the national average and the Indiana state average of 4.90%. While fertility is high, the available water capacity of 0.190 in/in sits slightly below the state benchmark of 0.202.
Rapid Drainage for Resilient Roots
These soils are somewhat excessively drained and belong to hydrologic group A. This means water moves quickly through the profile, preventing pooling but requiring gardeners to monitor moisture during dry summer weeks.
Ready for Early Season Success
In USDA zone 6a, these well-drained loams are perfect for root vegetables like carrots and potatoes. With an overall soil score of 72.4, this land is naturally more productive than the average Indiana county.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group A — Low Runoff
Sandy, well-drained soils with high infiltration rates. Water moves quickly through the soil profile. Lowest runoff potential when thoroughly wetted.
Drainage Class
Somewhat excessively drained
Water is removed rapidly. Soils may be droughty and have limited water-holding capacity.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loamy fine sand
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 Cass County have?
Cass County's soil is classified as Loamy fine sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 36% sand, 45% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Cass County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Cass County's soil has a pH of 6.2, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Cass County?
Cass County has a dominant drainage class of "Somewhat excessively drained." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in Cass County's soil?
Based on Cass County's Loamy fine sand texture, pH of 6.2, and Somewhat excessively drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Cass County?
Cass 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: Cass County
Soil Verdict
Cass 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
Cass County closely matches the Indiana average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Cass 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.