Wells County Soil Data
Wells County, Indiana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.5
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Very poorly drained
Organic Matter
2.8%
Hydrologic Group
B/D
Data Story
About Soil in Wells County, Indiana
Near-perfect pH levels in Wells County
Wells County soil hits the sweet spot with an average pH of 6.54, almost perfectly aligning with the national median of 6.5. These soils belong to the Inceptisols order, which are relatively young soils with significant potential for development. This balanced chemistry allows for maximum nutrient availability for a wide range of crops.
Mastering the silt loam texture
The soil is classified as a silt loam, consisting of 50.9% silt, 24.8% sand, and 24.3% clay. This specific blend provides excellent nutrient retention and a fine texture that is easy to work. It offers a more robust structural integrity than sandier soils found elsewhere in the state.
Average water capacity with room for growth
The county's organic matter stands at 2.84%, which is lower than the state average of 4.90% but still exceeds the 2.0% national benchmark. Available water capacity matches the state average exactly at 0.202 in/in. These metrics indicate a solid foundation for agriculture that benefits from supplemental organic inputs.
Managing very poorly drained landscapes
The landscape is characterized as very poorly drained and belongs to hydrologic group B/D. This means the soil has high runoff potential when wet, requiring careful drainage management for farming or construction. Proper tiling and water diversion are essential to unlocking the productivity of these Inceptisols.
Optimal conditions for zone 6a gardens
The near-neutral pH makes this an ideal location for diverse vegetable gardens and commercial grain production. Residents in zone 6a should focus on plants that can tolerate moist conditions given the drainage profile. Your soil is among the most chemically balanced in the state, so get planting today.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group B — Moderate Runoff
Moderately deep, moderately well-drained soils with moderate infiltration rates. Good balance of drainage and water retention.
Drainage Class
Very poorly drained
Water is removed so slowly that free water remains at or on the surface most of the year. Typically wetland soils.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silt loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Wells County have?
Wells County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 25% sand, 51% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Wells County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Wells County's soil has a pH of 6.5, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Wells County?
Wells County has a dominant drainage class of "Very 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 Wells County's soil?
Based on Wells County's Silt loam texture, pH of 6.5, and Very 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 Wells County?
Wells 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Wells County
Soil Verdict
Wells County is in USDA hardiness zone 6a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -10°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
Wells County closely matches the Indiana average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Wells 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.