Clinton County Soil Data

Clinton County, Indiana

Avg pH

6.3

Texture

Silt loam

Drainage

Well drained

Organic Matter

5.4%

Hydrologic Group

B

Data Story

About Soil in Clinton County, Indiana

Elite Silt Loam in Clinton

Clinton County boasts high-quality Alfisols with a silt loam texture and a pH of 6.27. This pH level is closer to the national median than most neighbors, making it hospitable to a wide variety of plant species.

Ideal Texture for Farming

A robust 56.9% silt and 19.4% clay mix defines the structure, supported by 20.3% sand. This classic silt loam composition is prized by farmers for its perfect balance of workability and water storage.

Superior Organic Wealth

The organic matter content is an impressive 5.41%, easily surpassing the Indiana state average of 4.90%. Paired with a high 0.213 in/in available water capacity, this county offers some of the best growing potential in the state.

Reliable and Balanced Drainage

Classified as well-drained and part of hydrologic group B, these soils manage water efficiently without stripping nutrients. This resilience makes the land highly dependable for both large-scale agriculture and domestic landscaping.

A Gardener’s Dream Location

With an elite soil score of 83.1, Clinton County is a premier spot for zone 6a gardening. High nutrient density and excellent moisture capacity mean your squash, beans, and greens will thrive with minimal extra effort.

Soil Composition

Silt loam
Sand: 20.3%
Silt: 56.9%
Clay: 19.4%
Silt loam

Soil pH

6.3pH
6.27477760714584
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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.

Runoff potential:Moderate

Drainage Class

Well drained

Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.

Soil Profile

Dominant texture: Silt loam

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Clinton County have?

Clinton County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 20% sand, 57% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Clinton County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Clinton County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.

What is the drainage class for Clinton County?

Clinton 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 Clinton County's soil?

Based on Clinton County's Silt loam texture, pH of 6.3, 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 Clinton County?

Clinton 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.

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.