Perry County Soil Data
Perry County, Indiana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.0
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Very poorly drained
Organic Matter
2.2%
Hydrologic Group
C/D
Data Story
About Soil in Perry County, Indiana
Acidic River-Valley Entisols
Perry County’s soil is primarily silt loam belonging to the Entisols order, showing a pH of 5.99. This is nearly identical to the state average but more acidic than the national 6.5 median, reflecting the county’s rugged topography.
Fine-Grained Silty Profile
The mineral makeup is 64.9% silt and 19.0% clay, with very little sand at 16.1%. This produces a soil that feels very smooth but lacks the drainage-enhancing properties of larger sand particles.
Above-Average Water Retention
The available water capacity is 0.204 in/in, slightly higher than the state average of 0.202. Organic matter levels sit at 2.22%, which is healthy by national standards but lower than the typical Indiana prairie soil.
Slow Moving Water Systems
The county is characterized by very poorly drained soils and a hydrologic group of C/D. This means the soil is frequently saturated, which requires careful management for both farming and home construction projects.
A Longer Season in Zone 7a
As one of Indiana's southernmost counties in zone 7a, Perry County enjoys a longer growing season. It is a fantastic place for warm-weather crops like peppers and melons that thrive in the late summer sun.
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: 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 Perry County have?
Perry County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 16% sand, 65% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Perry County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Perry 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 Perry County?
Perry 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 Perry County's soil?
Based on Perry County's Silt loam texture, pH of 6.0, 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 Perry County?
Perry 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: Perry County
Soil Verdict
Perry County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. 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
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Perry County is somewhat warmer than the Indiana statewide average. The zone range of 6b-7a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Perry 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.