Allegany County Soil Data
Allegany County, Maryland
Avg pH
5.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
20.3%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Allegany County, Maryland
Acidic Mountain Soils Define Allegany
Allegany County features a highly acidic soil profile with an average pH of 5.20, falling well below the national median of 6.5. This acidity is slightly sharper than the Maryland state average of 5.31. While specific taxonomic orders are not recorded here, the low pH dictates a specialized environment for native Appalachian flora.
A Versatile Mix of Sand and Silt
The local soil consists of 26.9% sand and 34.9% silt, providing a balanced physical structure for plant roots. With a 13.4% clay content, the earth maintains enough density to prevent immediate nutrient washout. This composition offers moderate workability for gardeners across the county's varying elevations.
Exceptional Organic Matter Levels
Organic matter in Allegany reaches a massive 20.34%, more than doubling the state average of 9.10%. However, the available water capacity (AWC) is just 0.114 in/in, which is significantly lower than the Maryland average of 0.175. This means that while the soil is nutrient-rich, it struggles to hold onto moisture during dry spells.
High Runoff Potential in Group D
The county falls into hydrologic group D, which indicates very low infiltration rates when the ground is wet. This characteristic increases the risk of surface runoff and makes drainage a primary concern for construction or agriculture. Gardeners should consider raised beds or amendments to manage water flow effectively.
Hardy Growth in Zone 7a
Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, Allegany is perfect for acid-loving perennials like azaleas and blueberries. The high organic matter provides a fantastic base for mountain-hardy vegetables if you manage the moisture levels. Start your garden today by selecting plants that thrive in cool, acidic highland conditions.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group D — High Runoff
Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.
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 Allegany County have?
Allegany County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 27% sand, 35% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Allegany County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Allegany County's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Allegany County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Allegany County.
What crops or plants grow well in Allegany County's soil?
Based on Allegany County's Loam texture, pH of 5.2, 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 Allegany County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Allegany County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Allegany County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Maryland
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.