Vigo County Soil Data
Vigo County, Indiana
Avg pH
6.3
Texture
Silty clay
Drainage
Poorly drained
Organic Matter
2.3%
Hydrologic Group
C/D
Data Story
About Soil in Vigo County, Indiana
Vigo County’s Unique Silty Clay Ground
Inceptisols are the primary soil order here, featuring a dominant silty clay texture. The 6.31 pH level is very near the national median of 6.5 and is higher than Indiana’s state average of 6.08.
Sandy Streaks in a Clay Base
With 29.6% sand and 17.0% clay, this soil offers a unique texture that differentiates it from typical Indiana silt loams. The 53.4% silt content maintains workability, though the clay requires careful timing to avoid clodding.
Stable Organic Matter for Plant Health
Organic matter levels reach 2.34%, which beats the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity of 0.194 in/in is slightly below the state average of 0.202, meaning plants may need supplemental water during Indiana's hottest months.
Navigating Poorly Drained Hydrologic Groups
Much of the county is poorly drained and falls into hydrologic group C/D. This means the soil is prone to saturation, often requiring raised beds or drainage systems for successful gardening and construction.
Managed Growth in Zone 6a
In zone 6a, Vigo County supports a wide variety of native prairie plants and traditional crops. Gardeners should prioritize organic amendments to improve the lower water capacity and consider moisture-loving perennials.
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
Poorly drained
Water is removed so slowly that the soil is wet at or near the surface much of the year. Drainage improvement usually needed.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silty clay
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Vigo County have?
Vigo County's soil is classified as Silty clay. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 30% sand, 53% silt, and 17% clay. Clay soils retain water and nutrients but can have drainage challenges.
Is Vigo County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Vigo County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Vigo County?
Vigo County has a dominant drainage class of "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 Vigo County's soil?
Based on Vigo County's Silty clay texture, pH of 6.3, and 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 Vigo County?
Vigo 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.