Sullivan County Soil Data

Sullivan County, New Hampshire

Avg 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

Loam
Sand: 36.6%
Silt: 33.9%
Clay: 5.3%
Loam

Soil pH

4.7pH
4.71986978919033
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently 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.

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.