Jackson County Soil Data
Jackson County, Indiana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.0
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Jackson County, Indiana
Navigating Jackson County's Acidic Silt
Jackson County features a more acidic profile with a pH of 5.96, falling below both the national median and the state average of 6.08. Growers here often monitor lime levels to optimize performance for sensitive crops.
Fine-Textured Soils for Focused Management
Silt makes up nearly 60% of the soil, paired with 22.3% sand and 17.9% clay. This high silt concentration creates a fine-textured soil that holds water tightly but can be prone to erosion if not managed.
Managing Lower Organic Reserves
Organic matter sits at 1.96%, which is just below the national average and significantly lower than Indiana's 4.90% average. The water capacity of 0.198 in/in requires careful irrigation management to ensure consistent yields.
Slow Permeability and Fine Particles
While specific drainage class data is limited, the high silt concentration often indicates slower permeability. Landowners should consider these traits when planning construction projects or intensive farming operations.
Extended Seasons in Zone 6b
Hardiness Zone 6b allows for a longer growing season, making Jackson County a great spot for melons and berries. Adding compost helps boost organic matter and improves the overall productivity of your home garden.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 6.0. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Jackson County have?
Jackson County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 22% sand, 60% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Jackson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Jackson County's soil has a pH of 6.0, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Jackson County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Jackson County.
What crops or plants grow well in Jackson County's soil?
Based on Jackson County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.0, 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 Jackson County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Jackson County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Jackson County
Soil Verdict
Jackson County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -5°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
Jackson County closely matches the Indiana average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Jackson 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.