Howard County Soil Data
Howard County, Indiana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.5
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Howard County, Indiana
Howard County's Premier Agricultural Foundation
Howard County boasts an impressive soil score of 88.2 and a pH of 6.48, aligning almost perfectly with the national median. This chemical balance makes it far more hospitable than the typical 6.08 Indiana average.
Silky Texture and High Nutrient Retention
Silt dominates the landscape at 54.8%, complemented by 21.2% clay and 19.6% sand. This high silt content creates a smooth texture that holds onto nutrients while remaining easier to till than heavy clay.
Superior Organic Matter Levels
The soil contains 5.64% organic matter, significantly outpacing the state average of 4.90%. With an available water capacity of 0.211 in/in, these fields offer exceptional drought resistance and growing potential.
Productive Soils with High Retention
While specific drainage class data is unavailable for these high-scoring soils, the silt-heavy mix suggests strong water retention. These traits contribute to the county's reputation as a top-tier agricultural hub.
Abundant Growth in Zone 6a
Located in Hardiness Zone 6a, Howard County offers ideal conditions for a wide variety of row crops and garden staples. The rich organic content makes it a haven for vigorous leafy greens and heavy-producing tomato plants.
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 Howard County have?
Howard County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 20% sand, 55% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Howard County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Howard County's soil has a pH of 6.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Howard County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Howard County.
What crops or plants grow well in Howard County's soil?
Based on Howard County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.5, 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 Howard County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Howard County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Howard County
Soil Verdict
Howard 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
Howard County closely matches the Indiana average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Howard 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.