Pulaski County Soil Data
Pulaski County, Indiana
Avg pH
5.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
19.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Pulaski County, Indiana
Acidic Profiles and Unique Soil History
Pulaski County soils are significantly acidic with an average pH of 5.15, far below the national 6.5 median and the 6.08 state average. While specific taxonomic data is limited here, the chemical profile suggests a specialized growing environment. This level of acidity often requires regular lime applications for traditional row crops.
Sandy Ground with Rapid Infiltration
The soil mix is 49.0% sand, 18.9% silt, and only 8.3% clay. This high sand content creates a very loose structure that allows water to move through the profile rapidly. While easy to till and plow, these soils struggle to hold onto liquid nutrients compared to heavier clay soils.
Exceptional Organic Matter Levels
The county boasts a staggering 19.36% organic matter, nearly four times the state average of 4.90%. This rich material creates an available water capacity of 0.211 inches per inch, outperforming the state norm of 0.202. This high fertility makes the land incredibly productive for moisture-loving plants.
Managing Unique Hydrological Needs
While specific drainage classes are not recorded in this dataset, the high sand and organic content suggest a dynamic relationship with water. The soil holds water like a sponge thanks to the organic matter, yet the sand allows for quick surface entry. Proper water management is key to preventing the high organic content from becoming waterlogged.
Cool Climates for Hardy Crops
In USDA Zone 5b, Pulaski growers handle shorter seasons and colder winters than their southern neighbors. The acidic, high-organic soil is legendary for specialty crops like mint, onions, and potatoes. Plan your garden for cold-hardy varieties that thrive in these rich, dark soils.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Hydrologic group data not available.
Drainage Class
Drainage class data not available.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Pulaski County have?
Pulaski County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 49% sand, 19% silt, and 8% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Pulaski County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Pulaski County's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Pulaski County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Pulaski County.
What crops or plants grow well in Pulaski County's soil?
Based on Pulaski County's Loam texture, pH of 5.1, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Pulaski County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Pulaski County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Pulaski 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.