Decatur County Soil Data
Decatur County, Indiana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.3
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Decatur County, Indiana
Balanced Chemistry in Decatur
Decatur County features a 6.28 pH, which is more alkaline than the Indiana average of 6.08. While specific taxonomic data is limited, the chemical profile suggests a very productive foundation for both field crops and home gardens.
A Diverse Mineral Mix
The soil contains 57.5% silt and 24.6% sand, rounded out by a 17.9% clay content. This distribution of particles suggests a medium-textured soil that provides a good balance between drainage and nutrient retention.
Reliable Water for Plants
Organic matter content is 2.34%, exceeding the national average but falling short of the state’s high benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.204 in/in is slightly higher than the state average, helping your garden survive dry spells.
Moderate Permeability Expected
While specific drainage classes aren't recorded for this area, the 17.9% clay content suggests a moderate drainage rate. Homeowners should look for signs of pooling to determine if their specific site needs drainage improvements.
Great Potential for Greens
With a 70.1 soil score and a 6b hardiness zone, Decatur is well-suited for a variety of vegetables. Broad-leafed crops like kale and cabbage will thrive in this well-balanced, moisture-retaining silt mix.
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
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Decatur County have?
Decatur County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 25% sand, 57% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Decatur County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Decatur 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 Decatur County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Decatur County.
What crops or plants grow well in Decatur County's soil?
Based on Decatur County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.3, 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 Decatur County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Decatur County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Decatur County
Soil Verdict
Decatur 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
Decatur County closely matches the Indiana average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Decatur 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.