Henry County Soil Data

Henry County, Indiana

Avg pH

6.5

Texture

Silt loam

Drainage

Poorly drained

Organic Matter

4.2%

Hydrologic Group

B/D

Data Story

About Soil in Henry County, Indiana

Henry County's Balanced Mollisol Profile

Henry County features rich Mollisols with a pH of 6.54, sitting just above the national median of 6.5. This nearly neutral profile is significantly less acidic than the Indiana state average of 6.08.

A Classic Silt Loam Mix

The soil consists of 51.5% silt, 23.7% sand, and 22.0% clay, forming a versatile silt loam. This balanced texture offers excellent workability while maintaining enough clay to hold essential nutrients.

High Water Capacity and Organic Matter

Organic matter measures 4.18%, more than double the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.212 in/in exceeds the state average, providing a reliable safety net for crops during dry spells.

Managing Poorly Drained Hydrologic Groups

These soils are classified as poorly drained and belong to hydrologic group B/D. Farmers and builders must plan for water management, as these fields tend to retain moisture longer than neighboring regions.

A Zone 6a Gardeners Paradise

In Hardiness Zone 6a, these fertile soils are perfect for high-yield corn, soybeans, and heavy-feeding garden vegetables. Start a patch of pumpkins or tomatoes to take full advantage of the natural nutrient density.

Soil Composition

Silt loam
Sand: 23.7%
Silt: 51.5%
Clay: 22.0%
Silt loam

Soil pH

6.5pH
6.54374129479065
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

Soil Series

Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.

Hydrologic Group

Group B — Moderate Runoff

Moderately deep, moderately well-drained soils with moderate infiltration rates. Good balance of drainage and water retention.

Runoff potential:Moderate

Drainage Class

Poorly drained

Water is removed so slowly that the soil is wet at or near the surface much of the year. Drainage improvement usually needed.

Soil Profile

Dominant texture: Silt loam

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Henry County have?

Henry County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 24% sand, 51% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Henry County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Henry County's soil has a pH of 6.5, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.

What is the drainage class for Henry County?

Henry County has a dominant drainage class of "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 Henry County's soil?

Based on Henry County's Silt loam texture, pH of 6.5, and 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 Henry County?

Henry 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.

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.