Hillsdale County Soil Data
Hillsdale County, Michigan
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.7
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
11.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Hillsdale County, Michigan
Favorable Acidity for Local Farming
Hillsdale County shows an average soil pH of 5.66, falling between the state average and the national median. This level of acidity is generally favorable for most Michigan field crops and garden perennials.
Higher Clay for Nutrient Retention
With 14.8% clay and 54.4% sand, this soil has the highest clay percentage among neighboring counties. This helps the soil hold onto vital nutrients and provides a firmer structure for plant roots.
Robust Organic Matter and Water Storage
Organic matter is strong at 11.26%, far exceeding the national average of 2.0%. An available water capacity of 0.169 in/in provides a steady reservoir of moisture for crops during the growing season.
A Versatile and Workable Soil
Limited local drainage data exists, but the moderate silt and clay levels indicate a versatile landscape. The composition points to a soil that balances moisture retention with the necessary aeration for root health.
Abundant Harvests in Zone 6a
With a soil score of 61.8, Hillsdale is a productive region for squash and sunflowers. The long zone 6a growing season allows gardeners to maximize their harvest throughout the summer.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.7. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Hillsdale County have?
Hillsdale County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 54% sand, 28% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hillsdale County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hillsdale County's soil has a pH of 5.7, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Hillsdale County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Hillsdale County.
What crops or plants grow well in Hillsdale County's soil?
Based on Hillsdale County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.7, 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 Hillsdale County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Hillsdale County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Hillsdale County
Soil Verdict
Hillsdale 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
Hillsdale County is somewhat warmer than the Michigan statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Hillsdale County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Michigan
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.