Lake County Soil Data
Lake County, Indiana
Avg pH
5.8
Texture
Fine sandy loam
Drainage
Poorly drained
Organic Matter
8.2%
Hydrologic Group
C/D
Data Story
About Soil in Lake County, Indiana
Mollisols Mark the Northwest Corner
Lake County is built on Mollisols, the dark, fertile soils typically associated with grasslands. The average pH of 5.79 is somewhat acidic compared to the national median of 6.5 and the Indiana average of 6.08.
Sandy Loam Near the Great Lakes
The soil contains 40.5% sand and 35.9% silt, creating a fine sandy loam texture. This mix provides enough grit for good aeration while the 16.0% clay content helps maintain some structure for plant roots.
Superior Organic Matter for Urban Farming
At 8.18%, the organic matter here is much higher than the state average of 4.90%. This helps offset an available water capacity of 0.185 in/in, which is lower than the Indiana average of 0.202.
Managing Poorly Drained Coastal Soils
Despite the sand, the county is classified as poorly drained and falls into the C/D hydrologic group. This indicates that high water tables or restrictive layers can cause water to linger after heavy storms.
Success in the 6a Hardiness Zone
Lake County's 66.9 soil score supports a wide range of gardening, especially for leafy greens that benefit from high organic matter. Raised beds are a great choice here to help manage the naturally poor drainage.
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
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: Fine sandy loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Lake County have?
Lake County's soil is classified as Fine sandy loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 40% sand, 36% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lake County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lake County's soil has a pH of 5.8, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Lake County?
Lake 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 Lake County's soil?
Based on Lake County's Fine sandy loam texture, pH of 5.8, 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 Lake County?
Lake 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.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lake 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.