Grant County Soil Data
Grant County, Indiana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.4
Texture
Silty clay
Drainage
Very poorly drained
Organic Matter
4.1%
Hydrologic Group
C/D
Data Story
About Soil in Grant County, Indiana
Rich silty clay Mollisols dominate Grant
Grant County features silty clay textures and belongs to the fertile Mollisols order. Its average pH of 6.39 is nearly ideal, sitting just below the national median of 6.5 and well above the Indiana average of 6.08. These soils represent some of the most naturally productive land in the Midwest.
Heavy clay mix ensures nutrient retention
The composition includes 49.6% silt and a significant 25.4% clay, providing high structural strength. With only 22.7% sand, this soil can be difficult to work when wet but holds onto fertilizers exceptionally well. The high clay content provides a dense foundation for both roots and structures.
Elite soil score with high water capacity
Grant earns an impressive soil score of 80.3, far exceeding the state average of 71.4. Its available water capacity of 0.202 in/in hits the state benchmark perfectly, while organic matter remains solid at 4.09%. This combination makes the county a powerhouse for high-yield agriculture.
Very poor drainage requires careful planning
Soils here are classified as very poorly drained and belong to hydrologic group C/D. This means the heavy clay and silt trap water, often requiring surface ditches or subsurface tiles to prevent flooding. Backyard gardeners should consider raised beds to avoid 'wet feet' for their plants.
A corn and soybean paradise in 6a
Hardiness zone 6a and the nutrient-dense silty clay make Grant County perfect for row crops and heavy-feeding vegetables. Brassicas like broccoli and cabbage thrive in these moisture-retentive soils. Grab a spade and take advantage of this top-tier Indiana dirt.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group C — Moderate-High Runoff
Soils with slow infiltration rates, often with a layer that impedes downward water movement. Higher clay content restricts drainage.
Drainage Class
Very poorly drained
Water is removed so slowly that free water remains at or on the surface most of the year. Typically wetland soils.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silty clay
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Clay Soil Detected
Clay soils can struggle with drainage. These products improve soil structure and water flow.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Grant County have?
Grant County's soil is classified as Silty clay. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 23% sand, 50% silt, and 25% clay. Clay soils retain water and nutrients but can have drainage challenges.
Is Grant County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Grant 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 Grant County?
Grant County has a dominant drainage class of "Very poorly drained." Poorly drained soils retain water for extended periods, which can limit crop choices and may require tile drainage or raised beds.
What crops or plants grow well in Grant County's soil?
Based on Grant County's Silty clay texture, pH of 6.4, and Very poorly drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, rice, cranberries, and other water-tolerant species.
What USDA soil order is found in Grant County?
Grant County's dominant soil order is Mollisols. Mollisols are fertile, dark-colored soils that formed under grassland vegetation. They are among the most productive agricultural soils in the world.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Grant County
Soil Verdict
Grant 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
Grant County closely matches the Indiana average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Grant 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.