Noble County Soil Data
Noble County, Indiana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.8
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Poorly drained
Organic Matter
9.9%
Hydrologic Group
C/D
Data Story
About Soil in Noble County, Indiana
Acidic Entisols in Noble County
Noble County features a silt loam texture and a pH of 5.76, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5. These soils belong to the Entisols order, indicating relatively young soil with minimal horizon development.
Gritty Texture and Strong Workability
The soil contains 43.0% sand, 30.9% silt, and 14.7% clay. This high sand percentage compared to neighbors provides decent workability, though the low clay content reduces the soil's natural ability to hold onto certain minerals.
Massive Organic Matter Reserves
Noble County boasts a remarkable 9.94% organic matter, more than double the state average of 4.90%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity of 0.197 in/in sits slightly below the Indiana benchmark of 0.202.
Managing Poor Drainage Challenges
These soils are classified as poorly drained and belong to hydrologic group C/D. This combination means water moves slowly through the profile, often requiring tiling or drainage systems for successful row cropping.
Hardy Crops for Zone 6a
In USDA zone 6a, this high-organic soil is a powerhouse for root vegetables and hardy perennials. With a soil score of 72.6, Noble County offers some of the best growing potential in the region.
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: Silt loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.8. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Noble County have?
Noble County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 43% sand, 31% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Noble County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Noble 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 Noble County?
Noble 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 Noble County's soil?
Based on Noble County's Silt 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 Noble County?
Noble County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Noble County
Soil Verdict
Noble 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
Noble County closely matches the Indiana average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Noble 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.