Morgan County Soil Data
Morgan County, Indiana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.2
Texture
Fine sandy loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
2.4%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Morgan County, Indiana
Alfisols with a balanced profile
Morgan County features Alfisols with an average pH of 6.23, which is slightly higher than the state average of 6.08. This brings the soil chemistry closer to the national median of 6.5, making it a friendly environment for most plants. The county earns a soil score of 69.6, indicating solid productivity across its varied landscape.
Fine sandy loam for easy tillage
The dominant texture is fine sandy loam, composed of 58.0% silt and 23.8% sand. With 18.2% clay, the soil has enough structure to hold nutrients without becoming difficult to dig or plow. This balanced texture is highly valued by gardeners for its ability to crumble easily when worked.
Steady water capacity and healthy minerals
Organic matter in Morgan County averages 2.41%, which is lower than the state average but still above the 2.0% national benchmark. The available water capacity is 0.204 in/in, outperforming the state average of 0.202. These stats suggest the soil is reliable and capable of sustaining growth through typical Indiana summers.
Excellent drainage for versatile use
Classified as well-drained and belonging to hydrologic group B, this soil handles rainfall with ease. You won't often find water pooling in these fields, which makes the land suitable for both farming and stable construction. This drainage efficiency helps oxygen reach plant roots, promoting faster and healthier growth.
Thriving in hardiness zone 6a
Zone 6a allows for a wide range of gardening successes, from hardy greens to vibrant summer perennials. The fine sandy loam texture is particularly forgiving for new gardeners who want an easy start. Grab a shovel and start planting, as Morgan County's soil is ready to support your green thumb.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
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.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Fine sandy loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Sandy Soil Detected
Sandy soils drain quickly and can dry out. These products boost water retention and organic matter.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Morgan County have?
Morgan County's soil is classified as Fine sandy loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 24% sand, 58% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Morgan County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Morgan County's soil has a pH of 6.2, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Morgan County?
Morgan County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Morgan County's soil?
Based on Morgan County's Fine sandy loam texture, pH of 6.2, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Morgan County?
Morgan County's dominant soil order is Alfisols. Alfisols are moderate to high base-status soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. They support productive forests and cropland across temperate regions.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Morgan County
Soil Verdict
Morgan 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
Morgan County closely matches the Indiana average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Morgan 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.