Scott County Soil Data
Scott County, Indiana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.7
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Scott County, Indiana
Acidic Silt Profiles in Scott
Scott County soils are quite acidic, with an average pH of 5.72, falling below both the state average of 6.08 and the national median of 6.5. This acidity can limit nutrient availability for some plants unless managed with lime. While detailed taxonomic data is limited, the chemical profile suggests a need for active soil care.
Silt-Heavy Ground with Low Sand
The soil composition is dominated by silt at 68.9%, with 18.5% clay and just 12.6% sand. This makes for a very fine-textured soil that can feel slippery when wet and hard when dry. The high silt content is excellent for holding onto moisture, but the lack of sand can lead to poor aeration.
Managing Fertility in Acidic Soil
Organic matter sits at 1.94%, which is just under the national 2.0% average and well below the state 4.90% benchmark. Despite this, the available water capacity is a solid 0.208 inches per inch, slightly better than the state average. This means the soil is good at storing water even if its nutrient levels are lower.
Hydrological Balance and Management
While specific drainage classes are missing from this record, the high silt and low sand levels typically indicate a soil that holds water tightly. This can lead to slow warming in the spring and potential puddling during heavy rains. Gardeners should monitor moisture levels closely to prevent root rot.
Successful Growing in Zone 6b
Scott County sits in Zone 6b, offering a relatively long growing season for the region. To make the most of your garden, focus on plants that tolerate slightly acidic conditions or use lime to raise the pH for vegetables. It is an excellent environment for acid-loving shrubs like azaleas and blueberries.
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: Silt Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.7. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Scott County have?
Scott County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 13% sand, 69% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Scott County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Scott County's soil has a pH of 5.7, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Scott County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Scott County.
What crops or plants grow well in Scott County's soil?
Based on Scott County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.7, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Scott County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Scott County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Scott County
Soil Verdict
Scott County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -5°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
Scott County closely matches the Indiana average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Scott 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.