Jay County Soil Data
Jay County, Indiana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.4
Texture
Silty clay
Drainage
Very poorly drained
Organic Matter
4.6%
Hydrologic Group
C/D
Data Story
About Soil in Jay County, Indiana
Jay County's Near-Neutral Mollisols
Jay County's Mollisols have a pH of 6.42, sitting comfortably near the national 6.5 median and exceeding the 6.08 state average. This near-neutrality supports a diverse range of biological activity and high nutrient availability.
Heavy Silty Clay Composition
This silty clay soil contains 30.0% clay and 47.2% silt, making it denser than the average Indiana soil. While it provides superior nutrient retention, it can be more difficult to work when the ground is wet.
Strong Organic Matter and Water Storage
Organic matter is strong at 4.57%, nearly reaching the state average and far exceeding national levels. The available water capacity of 0.202 in/in matches the Indiana average, ensuring stable moisture for the growing season.
Managing Very Poor Drainage Class
The soil is very poorly drained and categorized as hydrologic group C/D. These heavy, clay-rich fields often require specialized tile drainage systems to be productive for large-scale agriculture.
High-Yield Gardening in Zone 6a
Zone 6a gardeners can rely on this soil’s high clay content to support thirsty crops like peppers and tomatoes. The natural fertility of these Mollisols provides a great head start for any home landscape.
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 Jay County have?
Jay County's soil is classified as Silty clay. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 20% sand, 47% silt, and 30% clay. Clay soils retain water and nutrients but can have drainage challenges.
Is Jay County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Jay 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 Jay County?
Jay 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 Jay County's soil?
Based on Jay 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 Jay County?
Jay 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: Jay County
Soil Verdict
Jay 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
Jay County closely matches the Indiana average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Jay 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.