Clay County Soil Data
Clay County, Indiana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.2
Texture
Loamy fine sand
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
2.4%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Clay County, Indiana
Clay County’s Alfisol Foundation
Clay County identifies with Alfisol soils and a dominant texture of loamy fine sand. The pH of 6.19 is slightly higher than the state average but remains below the 6.5 national median, providing a versatile chemical base.
Balanced Sand and Silt
The composition features 59.0% silt and 23.3% sand, with a clay component of 17.7%. This mix creates a soft, workable texture that balances the ease of sand with the nutrient-holding power of silt.
Moderate Fertility and Water Flow
At 2.40%, the organic matter content is higher than the national average but falls below the state's 4.90% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.197 in/in is slightly below the state average, indicating steady but not extreme moisture retention.
Naturally Well-Drained Land
The county's soils are classified as well-drained and belong to hydrologic group A. This high permeability minimizes the risk of root rot and allows soil to warm up quickly in the spring.
Perfect for Indiana Staples
Zone 6a gardeners can capitalize on these well-drained soils to grow exceptional corn and tubers. The 65.8 soil score suggests a solid foundation for a productive backyard garden or small farm.
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
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
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 Clay County have?
Clay County's soil is classified as Loamy fine sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 23% sand, 59% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Clay County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Clay 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 Clay County?
Clay 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 Clay County's soil?
Based on Clay County's Loamy fine sand texture, pH of 6.2, 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 Clay County?
Clay 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: Clay County
Soil Verdict
Clay 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
Clay County closely matches the Indiana average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Clay 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.