Pike County Soil Data
Pike County, Indiana
Avg pH
6.1
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Moderately well drained
Organic Matter
2.2%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Pike County, Indiana
Productive Alfisols in Pike County
Pike County features a silt loam texture and a pH of 6.05, nearly matching the Indiana average. These Alfisols are well-known for their natural fertility and are common across the state's most productive agricultural regions.
The Power of High Silt
With 65.4% silt and 18.6% clay, Pike County’s soil is excellent at retaining the nutrients required for heavy-feeding crops. The 16.0% sand content is low, which can lead to compaction if the soil is worked while too wet.
Exceeding State Water Averages
Available water capacity reaches 0.204 in/in, providing a slight advantage over the state average of 0.202. Organic matter is steady at 2.19%, exceeding national benchmarks and providing a solid base for microbial life.
Slower Infiltration in Saturated Ground
These soils are moderately well drained but belong to hydrologic group D. This indicates that while the soil manages moderate rain well, it can quickly become impermeable during prolonged wet periods.
Thriving in Hardiness Zone 6b
Zone 6b allows for a wide variety of plantings, from spring peas to autumn squash. With a soil score of 64.6, adding organic mulch can further improve your soil's structure and productivity.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group D — High Runoff
Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.
Drainage Class
Moderately well drained
Water is removed somewhat slowly. May have a slowly permeable layer or seasonal water table.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silt loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Pike County have?
Pike 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 Pike County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Pike County's soil has a pH of 6.1, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Pike County?
Pike County has a dominant drainage class of "Moderately 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 Pike County's soil?
Based on Pike County's Silt loam texture, pH of 6.1, and Moderately 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 Pike County?
Pike 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.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Pike 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.