Dearborn County Soil Data
Dearborn County, Indiana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.2
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Moderately well drained
Organic Matter
2.3%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Dearborn County, Indiana
Deep Silt Loams of Dearborn
Dearborn County soils are primarily Alfisols with a silt loam texture and a pH of 6.22. This makes the soil slightly less acidic than the state average, offering a comfortable range for most backyard garden plants.
Silt-Dominant Soil Structure
The soil is remarkably silty at 64.5%, with a clay content of 20.6% and a low 14.9% sand component. This creates a fine-textured soil that is excellent for retaining applied fertilizers and providing a smooth seedbed.
Average Fertility and Moisture
Organic matter levels stand at 2.26%, which is healthy by national standards but trails the 4.90% state average. The available water capacity of 0.203 in/in is almost exactly in line with the Indiana norm, ensuring reliable water access.
Monitoring Slow Infiltration
These are moderately well-drained soils belonging to hydrologic group D. They can experience slow infiltration rates during heavy Indiana downpours, so gardeners should be mindful of potential surface runoff.
Apples and Herbs Thrive Here
Zone 6b gardeners can enjoy a long season and a respectable 68.0 soil score. Perennial herbs and orchard fruits like apples do particularly well in these silt-heavy, moisture-retaining soil profiles.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group D — High Runoff
Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.
Drainage Class
Moderately well drained
Water is removed somewhat slowly. May have a slowly permeable layer or seasonal water table.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silt loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Dearborn County have?
Dearborn County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 15% sand, 65% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Dearborn County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Dearborn 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 Dearborn County?
Dearborn County has a dominant drainage class of "Moderately 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 Dearborn County's soil?
Based on Dearborn County's Silt loam texture, pH of 6.2, and Moderately 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 Dearborn County?
Dearborn 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: Dearborn County
Soil Verdict
Dearborn 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
Dearborn County closely matches the Indiana average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Dearborn 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.