Fountain County Soil Data
Fountain County, Indiana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Fountain County, Indiana
Neutral Soils in the Wabash Valley
Fountain County soils feature a pH of 6.41, nearly identical to the national median of 6.5. This is significantly less acidic than the state average of 6.08. This neutral chemistry contributes to a strong soil score of 79.5 and supports a wide range of plant life.
Silty Texture with Moderate Sand
The soil contains 56.2% silt and 25.3% sand, rounded out by 17.7% clay. This creates a versatile texture that balances the moisture-holding power of silt with the drainage benefits of sand. It is a productive mix that resists the extreme compaction seen in clay-heavy counties.
Solid Water Storage and Moderate Matter
Available water capacity is 0.207 in/in, slightly higher than the Indiana average. Organic matter stands at 3.13%, which is above the national average of 2.0% but lower than the state's 4.90%. These figures indicate a resilient soil that holds moisture well through the summer.
Managing the Water Table
Specific drainage classifications are not provided, but the silt-sand blend typically offers reliable permeability. With more silt than sand, the soil will retain water long enough for plants to use it without becoming immediately saturated. This balance is key for the county's diverse agricultural landscape.
Versatile Gardening in Zone 6a
Fountain County's neutral pH and good water capacity make it a gardener's dream in zone 6a. You can grow everything from standard row crops to sensitive flowering perennials with ease. The soil's natural balance means you spend less time correcting the pH and more time harvesting.
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 Fountain County have?
Fountain County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 25% sand, 56% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Fountain County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Fountain County's soil has a pH of 6.4, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Fountain County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Fountain County.
What crops or plants grow well in Fountain County's soil?
Based on Fountain County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.4, 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 Fountain County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Fountain County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Fountain County
Soil Verdict
Fountain 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
Fountain County closely matches the Indiana average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Fountain 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.