Sullivan County Soil Data
Sullivan County, New Hampshire
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.7
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
26.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Sullivan County, New Hampshire
Moderate Acidity and Strong Scores
Sullivan County presents a pH of 4.72, which is less acidic than the state average of 4.24 but still significantly lower than the national 6.5 median. This chemical profile contributes to a strong overall soil score of 65.9, outpacing the state average of 59.8.
A Balanced Silt and Sand Mix
The local soil consists of 36.6% sand and 33.9% silt, providing a balanced structure for root penetration and moisture movement. With a low clay content of 5.3%, the soil remains easy to work and resists the heavy compaction often found in denser clays.
Superior Water Retention Potential
Available water capacity stands at 0.215 in/in, exceeding the state average of 0.204. While the 26.47% organic matter content is slightly below the state average of 32.63%, it remains vastly superior to the 2.0% national benchmark for soil health.
Productive Soils for Local Growth
Specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unavailable for the county's soil profile. However, the high soil score indicates that the natural hydrology likely supports efficient drainage for both agricultural and residential development.
Productive Planting in Zone 5b
Sullivan's Hardiness Zone 5b climate is ideal for growing hearty crops like blueberries, potatoes, and northern-adapted fruit trees. Use the county's above-average soil quality to your advantage and begin your planting season with confidence.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 4.7. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Sullivan County have?
Sullivan County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 37% sand, 34% silt, and 5% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Sullivan County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Sullivan County's soil has a low pH of 4.7, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Sullivan County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Sullivan County.
What crops or plants grow well in Sullivan County's soil?
Based on Sullivan County's Loam texture, pH of 4.7, 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 Sullivan County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Sullivan County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Sullivan County
Soil Verdict
Sullivan County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -15°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
Sullivan County closely matches the New Hampshire average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 5a-6a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Sullivan County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in New Hampshire
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.