Baltimore County Soil Data
Baltimore County, Maryland
Avg pH
5.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
6.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Baltimore County, Maryland
Healthy Entisols Across the Piedmont
Baltimore County earns a strong soil score of 63.0, supported by an average pH of 5.52. These soils belong to the Entisols order, which are relatively young soils with little profile development. While more acidic than the national median of 6.5, they are slightly more alkaline than the Maryland state average of 5.31.
Balanced Silt and Sand Profiles
The soil composition is 34.9% sand and 44.7% silt, creating a loamy feel that is excellent for agriculture. A clay content of 14.6% provides the necessary structure to hold nutrients without becoming heavy or difficult to till. This balance makes the county's land highly desirable for both residential lawns and commercial farming.
Superior Water Holding Potential
With an organic matter content of 6.11%, the soil is productive, though it sits below the state average of 9.10%. Critically, the available water capacity is 0.191 in/in, which beats the state average of 0.175. This high capacity means the county's soils are naturally resilient during short droughts.
Deep Soil with Stable Water Flow
Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed in the primary data, but the high water capacity suggests a deep soil profile. The balanced composition typically allows for steady infiltration and moderate drainage speeds. Homeowners should still monitor local site conditions for any clay-heavy spots that might hold water.
Piedmont Prosperity in Zone 7b
Residing in Zone 7b, the county is an ideal home for everything from leafy greens to stone fruits. The soil's ability to hold water makes it a fantastic environment for establishing permanent shrubs and fruit trees. Dig into your garden today to take advantage of some of Maryland's most reliable earth.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Baltimore County have?
Baltimore County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 35% sand, 45% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Baltimore County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Baltimore County's soil has a pH of 5.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Baltimore County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Baltimore County.
What crops or plants grow well in Baltimore County's soil?
Based on Baltimore County's Loam texture, pH of 5.5, 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 Baltimore County?
Baltimore County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Baltimore 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.