Vanderburgh County Soil Data
Vanderburgh County, Indiana
Avg pH
6.2
Texture
Silty clay loam
Drainage
Moderately well drained
Organic Matter
1.9%
Hydrologic Group
C
Data Story
About Soil in Vanderburgh County, Indiana
Vanderburgh’s Silty Clay Loam Profile
Dominating the landscape are Inceptisols with a silty clay loam texture. The county's 6.15 pH is slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5 but remains just above the Indiana average of 6.08.
Fine Particles Dominate the Soil Mix
With a high silt content of 69.1% and 19.9% clay, this soil feels dense and holds nutrients tightly. The low 11.0% sand content means the soil can be slow to warm up in the spring and prone to crusting.
Efficient Water Use Despite Lower Organic Matter
Organic matter is 1.91%, trailing both the national average and the state’s high benchmark of 4.90%. Despite this, an available water capacity of 0.209 in/in ensures that moisture stays accessible to roots longer than the state average of 0.202.
Moderate Drainage Requires Careful Management
The soils are moderately well-drained and fall into hydrologic group C. These characteristics suggest that while the land is productive, it may require tile drainage for optimal performance in large-scale farming.
A Long Growing Season in Zone 7a
The warmer 7a hardiness zone allows for a longer growing season than most of Indiana. It is an excellent environment for southern-leaning crops like sweet potatoes and okra that thrive in the dense, moisture-holding silty soil.
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
Moderately well drained
Water is removed somewhat slowly. May have a slowly permeable layer or seasonal water table.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silty clay loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Vanderburgh County have?
Vanderburgh County's soil is classified as Silty clay loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 11% sand, 69% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Vanderburgh County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Vanderburgh County's soil has a pH of 6.2, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Vanderburgh County?
Vanderburgh 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 Vanderburgh County's soil?
Based on Vanderburgh County's Silty clay loam texture, pH of 6.2, 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 Vanderburgh County?
Vanderburgh County's dominant soil order is Inceptisols. Inceptisols are young soils with weak horizon development. They occur in a wide range of climates and parent materials.
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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.