Delaware County Soil Data
Delaware County, Indiana
Avg pH
6.3
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
6.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Delaware County, Indiana
Slightly Acidic Soils Drive High Scores
Delaware County maintains an average soil pH of 6.26, which is higher than the state average of 6.08 but slightly below the national median. While specific taxonomic data is limited for this region, the overall soil health is excellent. The county achieves an impressive soil score of 82.0 out of 100.
Silt Dominates the Local Landscape
Silt makes up 52.0% of the soil profile, paired with 25.8% sand and 22.2% clay. This high silt content makes the ground feel smooth and provides superior moisture retention. It offers a stable environment for roots compared to more sandy neighboring regions.
Superior Moisture and Matter Levels
With 6.00% organic matter, Delaware County beats the state average of 4.90% significantly. The available water capacity of 0.206 in/in also sits above the Indiana average, ensuring plants have a steady reserve during dry spells. This combination indicates a highly productive landscape for any grower.
General Hydrology and Local Drainage
Specific drainage class data is unavailable for this county, but the silt-heavy composition suggests moderate permeability. High silt levels generally mean the soil holds water effectively without becoming as waterlogged as heavy clay. Local observers should watch for slow runoff during heavy Indiana thunderstorms.
Thriving in the Heart of Zone 6a
Hardiness zone 6a and high-capacity soil make Delaware County a prime spot for diverse vegetable gardens. The high water capacity supports thirsty crops like melons and cucumbers through the summer heat. Grab a shovel and take advantage of some of the state's best soil.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Delaware County have?
Delaware County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 26% sand, 52% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Delaware County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Delaware 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 Delaware County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Delaware County.
What crops or plants grow well in Delaware County's soil?
Based on Delaware 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 Delaware County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Delaware County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Delaware 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.