Clark County Soil Data
Clark County, Indiana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.9
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Clark County, Indiana
Acidic Profiles in Clark County
Clark County soils show a distinctly acidic pH of 5.85, which is notably lower than the Indiana average of 6.08. While specific taxonomic data is limited for this area, the low pH suggests a need for lime amendments in most garden beds.
Silt-Heavy Soil Structure
The soil is dominated by 69.3% silt, paired with 19.9% clay and a low 10.8% sand content. This silty profile provides a smooth texture that can be prone to surface crusting if left bare during heavy rains.
Exceptional Water Storage Capacity
Organic matter matches the national average of 2.0%, though it trails the Indiana state average of 4.90%. Despite lower organic levels, the available water capacity is high at 0.208 in/in, offering great drought resilience for local plants.
Monitoring Moisture Infiltration
Official drainage class data is currently unavailable for this county, but high silt levels typically indicate moderate permeability. Gardeners should observe their specific plots for slow-draining areas after typical Indiana storms.
Thriving in the Southern Heat
Hardiness zone 6b supports a long growing season for heat-loving crops like peppers and tomatoes. Adding compost can help bridge the gap between the 2.0% organic matter level and the higher state standards to boost your harvest.
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 5.9. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Clark County have?
Clark County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 11% sand, 69% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Clark County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Clark County's soil has a pH of 5.9, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Clark County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Clark County.
What crops or plants grow well in Clark County's soil?
Based on Clark County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.9, 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 Clark County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Clark County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Clark County
Soil Verdict
Clark 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
Clark County closely matches the Indiana average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 6b-7a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Clark 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.